E37

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation

Chess diagram: Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation after 8…e5

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Statistics from Lichess

492 games: White 46.3% / Draw 3.3% / Black 50.4%

The moves played next. Pick one to see it on the board.
Next moveGamesWhite / Draw / BlackW / D / B
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11

Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026

Engine evaluation

+0.84 White is better

Best play: 9. f3 Qh4+ 10. g3 Nxg3 11. Qf2 Nf5 12. cxd5 Na5 13. Rb1 Nb3

Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.

Overview

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation (ECO E37, Indian Defenses) is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, reached after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 Ne4 7. Qc2 Nc6 8. e3 e5 (8 moves).

In 492 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 46.3%, Black 50.4% and 3.3% were drawn. White's most played move here is 9. cxd5, in 53% of those games.

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Cite this page

Caissa Codex. “Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, San Remo Variation (E37)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/nimzo-indian-defense-classical-variation-noa-variation-san-remo-variation