Tree path 5 levels Nimzo-Indian Defense › Classical Variation › Noa Variation › Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation › Botvinnik Variation
- Chess Codex
- Nimzo-Indian Defense E20
- Classical Variation E32
- Noa Variation E34
- Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation E36
- Botvinnik Variation E36 you are here
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Botvinnik Variation
Overview
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Botvinnik Variation is a named branch in the Indian Defenses group of chess theory, classified under ECO E36.
The Indian Defenses group covers Indian defences — hypermodern lines where Black challenges the centre with pieces rather than pawns.
The line arises from 12 plies — specifically the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 Nc6.
In the opening tree, this line branches off from Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, part of the broader Nimzo-Indian Defense system.
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
- E36
- Group
- Indian Defenses (E)
- Plies
- 12
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
4,501 games · White 50.4% / Draw 6.0% / Black 43.6%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Bg5 | 1,604 | |
| Nf3 | 1,297 | |
| e3 | 811 | |
| c5 | 273 | |
| cxd5 | 231 | |
| f3 | 116 | |
| Bf4 | 101 | |
| b4 | 23 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:44:14
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