Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Romanishin Gambit (E36)

The Classical Variation, Romanishin Gambit is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E36. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 c5, reaching the position shown below after 12 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 six 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.

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Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Romanishin Gambit — position after c5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 c5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nc3Bb4
4Qc2d5
5a3Bxc3+
6Qxc3c5

ECO: E36

Stockfish: +0.23 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Nimzo-Indian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Romanishin Gambit?

The Classical Variation, Romanishin Gambit goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 c5. It is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E36.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Romanishin Gambit?

The Classical Variation, Romanishin Gambit is ECO E36. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Romanishin Gambit 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 c5 at +0.23 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, Romanishin Gambit 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.