Nimzo-Indian Defense: Simagin Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
14,620 games: White 45.1% / Draw 7.9% / Black 46.9%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 5,9615,961 | ||
| 4,7734,773 | ||
| 2,6912,691 | ||
| 503503 | ||
| 292292 | ||
| 9292 | ||
| 7171 | ||
| 6161 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026
Engine evaluation
+0.02 The position is about equal
Best play: 7. Ng3 c5 8. dxc5 Bxc5 9. cxd5 exd5 10. Be2 Nc6 11. b4 Bd6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Simagin Variation (ECO E46, Indian Defenses) is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Reshevsky Variation, reached after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Ne2 d5 6. a3 Bd6 (6 moves).
In 14,620 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 45.1%, Black 46.9% and 7.9% were drawn. White's most played move here is 7. c5, in 41% 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: Simagin Variation
The most played answer, 7. c5, also scores best for White: 49.9%, with White winning 45.8% and Black 46.0% of 5,961 games. Of the main answers, 7. cxd5 scores lowest: 47.8%. Stockfish's first choice is 7. Ng3.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: White'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: Simagin Variation (E46)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/nimzo-indian-defense-simagin-variation