Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Carlsbad Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
2,990 games: White 43.3% / Draw 7.2% / Black 49.5%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 2,8382,838 | ||
| 150150 | ||
| 22 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Sep 26, 2026
Engine evaluation
−0.04 The position is about equal
Best play: 8. Nxd2 Bxc5 9. g3 O-O 10. Bg2 Rb8 11. O-O Be7 12. Rfd1 a6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Carlsbad Variation (ECO E23, Indian Defenses) is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Romanovsky Gambit, reached after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qb3 c5 5. dxc5 Nc6 6. Nf3 Ne4 7. Bd2 Nxd2 (7 moves).
In 2,990 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 43.3%, Black 49.5% and 7.2% were drawn. White's most played move here is 8. Nxd2, in 95% of those games.
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How to play against the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Spielmann Variation, Carlsbad Variation
The most played answer, 8. Nxd2, also scores best for White: 47.4%, with White winning 43.7% and Black 49.0% of 2,838 games. Of the main answers, 8. Kxd2 scores lowest: 38.3%. Stockfish's first choice is also 8. Nxd2.
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: Spielmann Variation, Carlsbad Variation (E23)”. Lichess data as of 26 Sep 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/nimzo-indian-defense-spielmann-variation-carlsbad-variation