Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation (E37)

The Classical Variation, Modern Variation is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E37. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 Ne4 7. Qc2 c5, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven moves. White has the bishop pair.

On the Nimzo-Indian Defense generally: One of the most respected defenses to 1.d4. Black pins the knight and fights for central control.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Position characteristics

• Contested centre
• High pawn tension
• Bishop pair

Related Nimzo-Indian Defense lines

• Classical Variation, Noa Variation
• Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Botvinnik Variation
• Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Main Line
• Classical Variation, Romanishin Gambit
• Classical Variation, Noa Variation
• Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation
• Classical Variation, Berlin Variation
• Classical Variation, Berlin Variation, Steiner Variation
• Romanishin Variation
• Romanishin Variation, English Hybrid
• Three Knights Variation, Euwe Variation
• Three Knights Variation, Korchnoi Variation

See all 81 Nimzo-Indian Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Modern Variation?

The Classical Variation, Modern Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 Ne4 7. Qc2 c5. It is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E37.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Modern Variation?

The Classical Variation, Modern Variation is ECO E37. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Modern Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 Ne4 7. Qc2 c5 at +0.18 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Classical Variation, Modern Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is White to move. White has the bishop pair.