Nimzo-Indian Defense: Reshevsky Variation (E46)

The Reshevsky Variation is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E46. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Ne2, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.

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: Reshevsky Variation — position after Ne2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Ne2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nc3Bb4
4e3O-O
5Ne2

ECO: E46

Stockfish: -0.10 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Reshevsky Variation?

The Reshevsky Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Ne2. It is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E46.

What is the ECO code for the Reshevsky Variation?

The Reshevsky Variation is ECO E46. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

Is the Reshevsky Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Ne2 at -0.10 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 Reshevsky Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.