Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit (E32)

The Classical Variation, Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E32. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 b5, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted; 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, Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit — position after b5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 b5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nc3Bb4
4Qc2O-O
5a3Bxc3+
6Qxc3b5

ECO: E32

Stockfish: +0.35 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, Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit?

The Classical Variation, Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 b5. It is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E32.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit?

The Classical Variation, Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit is ECO E32. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 b5 at +0.35 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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, Vitolins-Adorjan Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted; White has the bishop pair.