Learn
The big idea
What the Nimzo-Indian Defence is really about.
A sophisticated, flexible defence and one of Black's most respected answers to 1.d4. Instead of meeting pawns with pawns, Black pins the c3-knight with the bishop and fights for the central squares — above all e4 — with pieces. Black is willing to give up the bishop for the knight to damage White's pawn structure and seize lasting control of the light and central squares.
- White's plan: Keep the strong pawn duo on c4 and d4 and use the bishop pair if Black captures on c3. Choose a set-up — quiet e3 (Rubinstein) or the queen-supported Qc2 — that lets you build a big centre and break with e4.
- Black's plan: Pin and pressure the c3-knight, dispute the e4-square, and be ready to trade the bishop for the knight to leave White with doubled, vulnerable pawns. Strike at the centre with ...c5 and ...d5 once developed.
Why is Black happy to give up the bishop for a knight with ...Bxc3 in the Nimzo?
Answer the question to keep going!