Nimzo-Indian Defense: Ragozin Defense (E48)

The Ragozin Defense is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E48. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 d5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. O-O, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black 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.

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.

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Ragozin Defense — position after O-O a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 d5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. O-O

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nc3Bb4
4e3O-O
5Bd3d5
6Nf3Nc6
7O-O

ECO: E48

Stockfish: +0.43 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Nimzo-Indian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Ragozin Defense?

The Ragozin Defense goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 d5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. O-O. It is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E48.

What is the ECO code for the Ragozin Defense?

The Ragozin Defense is ECO E48. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

Is the Ragozin Defense good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 d5 6. Nf3 Nc6 7. O-O at +0.43 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 Ragozin Defense lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.