Tree path 7 levels Nimzo-Indian Defense › Rubinstein System › Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation › Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation › Classical Defense › Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Botvinnik System › Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense

Chess Codex
Nimzo-Indian Defense E20
Rubinstein System E40
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation E46
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation E47
Classical Defense E48
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Botvinnik System E49
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense E59 you are here

E59

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense

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Overview

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense is a specific line in the Indian Defenses family (ECO E59), arising from a recognised theoretical position.

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

It begins with 21 plies and takes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 d5 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. bxc3 dxc4 8. Bxc4 c5 9. Nf3 Nc6 10. O-O Qc7 11. Qc2 to reach the canonical position.

The line refines Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Botvinnik System, which traces back to the root opening Nimzo-Indian Defense.

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ECO code: E59
Group: Indian Defenses (E)
Plies: 21
Parent: Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Botvinnik System

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Statistics from Lichess

1,455 games · White 39.8% / Draw 6.3% / Black 53.9%

Moves	Games	W / D / B
e5	923
b6	209
cxd4	119
Na5	71
Rd8	66
a6	29
Bd7	16
Re8	12

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 03:28:31

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