Tree path 3 levels Nimzo-Indian Defense › Three Knights Variation › Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation
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  2. Nimzo-Indian Defense E20
  3. Three Knights Variation E21
  4. Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation E43 you are here
E43

Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation

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Overview

Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation is a specific line in the Indian Defenses family (ECO E43), 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.

The line arises from 11 plies — specifically the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nf3 b6 5. e3 Ne4 6. Qc2.

The line refines Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, which traces back to the root opening Nimzo-Indian Defense.

It continues primarily into one named line, Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation.

Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.

ECO code
E43
Group
Indian Defenses (E)
Plies
11
Parent
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation
Direct variations
1

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.

Statistics from Lichess

6,080 games · White 46.2% / Draw 5.2% / Black 48.6%

MovesGamesW / D / B
Bb73,759
f51,051
Bxc3+703
Nxc3403
d5112
O-O24
Ba67
c55

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:34:04

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Variations (1)