The Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Bernstein Defense is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E56. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 d5 6. Nf3 c5 7. O-O Nc6, 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 three minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.
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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The Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Bernstein Defense goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 d5 6. Nf3 c5 7. O-O Nc6. It is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E56.
The Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Bernstein Defense is ECO E56. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 d5 6. Nf3 c5 7. O-O Nc6 at +0.13 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.
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 three minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.