Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack
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Statistics from Lichess
28,091 games: White 45.9% / Draw 4.5% / Black 49.5%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 7,4687,468 | ||
| 7,0437,043 | ||
| 5,9635,963 | ||
| 4,1734,173 | ||
| 1,7231,723 | ||
| 817817 | ||
| 260260 | ||
| 243243 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026
Engine evaluation
−0.06 The position is about equal
Best play: 4... c5 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 O-O 7. Bd2 Nc6 8. e3 Nxd4 9. Qxd4
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack (ECO E20, Indian Defenses) is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, reached after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qd3 (4 moves).
In 28,091 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 45.9%, Black 49.5% and 4.5% were drawn. Black's most played move here is 4…O-O, in 27% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack
4…c5 scores best for Black: 53.6%, with Black winning 51.1% and White 44.0% of 5,963 games. The most played, 4…O-O, scores 52.0% in 7,468 games, and 4…Bxc3+ scores lowest: 49.4%. Stockfish's first choice is also 4…c5.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: Black's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack (E20)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/nimzo-indian-defense-mikenas-attack