Tree path 3 levels Nimzo-Indian Defense › Classical Variation › Berlin Variation
E38

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation

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Overview

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Berlin Variation is a named branch in the Indian Defenses group of chess theory, classified under ECO E38.

The Indian Defenses group covers Indian defences — hypermodern lines where Black challenges the centre with pieces rather than pawns.

It begins with 8 plies and takes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 c5 to reach the canonical position.

In the opening tree, this line branches off from Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, part of the broader Nimzo-Indian Defense system.

2 named variations grow from this line, including Pirc Variation, Steiner Variation.

Together the deeper variations number 3 across the full subtree.

Use the board to walk through every move, check how the position has scored on Lichess, or take it head-to-head against Stockfish.

ECO code
E38
Group
Indian Defenses (E)
Plies
8
Parent
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation
Direct variations
2
Total in subtree
3

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.

Statistics from Lichess

532,469 games · White 48.1% / Draw 6.2% / Black 45.7%

MovesGamesW / D / B
dxc5212,833
e3156,204
Nf376,043
a365,009
d516,028
Bg53,977
e4737
Bd2597

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 01:57:10

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Variations (2)

Show all 3 sub-variations (full subtree)