Chess Openings - The Nimzo-Indian Defense
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1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 e6
3. Nc3 Bb4
The Nimzo-Indian Defense begins with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4. The famous grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch is responsible for the development and popularization of the opening. Nimzowitsch was one of a number of fathers of the hypermodern school of chess. Founded in the early 20th century, hypermodernism is based on several counter-intuitive notions:
- The centre of the board is best controlled with pieces not pawns.
- The opponent should be encouraged to establish a dominating Pawn mass in the centre. Once overextended, this formation will be vulnerable to attack.
- Chess cannot be broken down into a simple set of rigid principals - it is fluid and dynamic.
The Nimzo-Indian is a classic example of a hypermodern opening. By not pushing Pawns into the centre, black keeps his pawn structure flexible. This allows him numerous possible counter attacking possibilities. The bishop on b4 will often be exchanged with the knight it pins, causing a doubling of white's c Pawns (a weakness).
How Common is the Nimzo-Indian Defense?
Common at the Master Level
Uncommon at the Novice Level
The defense is a strong one, and is common at the master level. Overall, the Nimzo Indian makes up about 20% of Indian Defense games. The opening is slightly less popular amongst novices.