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 Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Bronstein Variation, 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 Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Exchange Variation. 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. Below 1400 the samples are small (53 games at 1200), so the comparison starts at 1400, with 195 games. There, the top reply is a3, played 50.3% of the time. Five other moves each take at least 5% of games, and the top three moves account for 65.6% of games. Entropy: 2.62. By 2500 (362 games), a3 dominates at 55.3% of replies; only one other move still reaches 5% and the top three moves account for 92.2% of games. 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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