Taking on c3 without a follow-up
The trade only helps Black if the doubled pawns become targets. Bring pieces to c5, a5 and the c-file.
Opening guide · Black against 1.d4
How to play the Nimzo-Indian Defense
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4
The Nimzo-Indian pins White’s c3 knight with ...Bb4 to fight for e4. Black is ready to give the bishop for the knight and play against doubled pawns.
- Lines to play
- 5
- Quiz positions
- 6
Learn the Nimzo-Indian Defense move by move
You play Black. Each move is explained before you play it, with an arrow on the board; then you play the line from memory. When the course has more than one good move, every one of them counts.
Key ideas
Control e4 with pieces
- The pin, ...b6 and ...Bb7 all aim at e4. White cannot push e4 without help.
Bishop for knight, on Black’s terms
- ...Bxc3 doubles White’s pawns. Black then plays ...c5, ...d6 and ...Nc6 against them.
The fianchetto on b7
- In most lines the light-squared bishop goes to b7, where it watches e4 and the long diagonal.
Flexible pawns
- Black chooses between ...d5, ...d6 and ...c5 depending on White’s setup, rather than committing early.
The main lines
Rubinstein: 4.e3 b6
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 b6 5.Bd3 Bb7 6.Nf3 O-O
White develops quietly; ...Bb7 and castling follow.
Classical: 4.Qc2 b6
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 b6 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.Qxc3 Bb7
White avoids doubled pawns; Black takes on c3 anyway and fianchettoes.
Sämisch: 4.a3 Bxc3+
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3 Bxc3+ 5.bxc3 b6 6.f3 Nc6
White gets the bishop pair; Black targets the doubled c-pawns.
Leningrad: 4.Bg5
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bg5 b6 5.e3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 h6
A second pin; Black doubles the pawns and asks the bishop to decide.
Kmoch: 4.f3 c5
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.f3 c5 5.d5 d6 6.e4 O-O
White prepares e4; Black hits d4 and builds a Benoni-style centre.
Find the move
6 positions from the main lines, each with its idea. Your first try counts.
Position 1 of 6
1.d4
The ideaDevelop and watch e4.
Find the move for Black.
Common mistakes
Letting e4 happen for free
If White gets e4 with tempo, the Nimzo’s point is gone. Keep pieces on f6, b7 and b4 or d5 aimed at it.
Weakening the dark squares
After ...Bxc3 Black has no dark-squared bishop. Keep pawns on dark squares where possible.
Related openings
Frequently asked questions
How do I learn the Nimzo-Indian Defense?
Play it, one move at a time. The trainer on this page explains each Black move before you play it, then asks you to play the line from memory. Read the main lines and traps, test yourself in the quiz, then play it in your games. The Nimzo Pin Cushion teaches every line, with spaced review so the moves stay with you.
Is the Nimzo-Indian good for club players?
Yes. It is sound against every White setup and the ideas repeat: pin, control e4, take on c3 when it doubles the pawns.
How do you play the Nimzo-Indian if White avoids 3.Nc3?
After 3.Nf3 Black can still play ...b6 and ...Bb4 once the knight comes to c3, as in the course’s 3.Nf3 chapter.
Why give up the bishop on c3?
In exchange White gets doubled c-pawns and loses control of e4. Black plays for those long-term weaknesses.
Learn every line of the Nimzo-Indian Defense
The Nimzo Pin Cushion teaches it as a repertoire: 61 lines, a note on every move read aloud, and spaced review so the moves stay with you. The first line is free.
A free account also reviews your games and shows where you left the lines. Sign up