1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 0-0 5.Nf3 d5 6.Bd3 c5 7.0-0 dxc4 8.Bxc4 Nbd7 opens the Nimzo-Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... Nbd7, ECO E55. Across rating levels it shows up in 6,518 recorded games — enough data to map exactly where it succeeds and where it stalls.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Nimzo-Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 8.Bxc4. On the White side, Svetozar Gligoric (32 games), Jan Hein Donner (16 games), Rainer Knaak (15 games) top the database. Notable Black exponents: Ratmir Kholmov (25 games), Ivan Farago (20 games), Wolfgang Unzicker (18 games).
Move Diversity and Theory Depth
Looking at move selection shows how forcing — or not — the position really is. At 1200 Elo, the top reply is a3, played 35.3% of the time. There are 6 other moves seeing meaningful share, and 62.7% of games stick to established theory. Entropy: 2.94. By 2500, a3 dominates at 55.3% of replies; only 2 viable alternatives remain and 92.2% of moves are theory. Entropy drops to 1.66. The narrowing is significant — strong players consolidate around a small set of best moves, while amateurs scatter across many plausible-looking options.
Common Mistakes
- Neglecting development — Extra pawn moves in the opening are tempting, especially when you "know the moves". Developing a piece each turn is the simple correction.
- Letting White own the centre — Hypermodern openings concede central space on purpose, but only if you strike back in time. Delay the counter-blow and you end up squeezed.
Practice on Chessiverse
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