Tree path 6 levels Nimzo-Indian Defense › Rubinstein System › Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation › Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation › Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation › Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation
- Chess Codex
- Nimzo-Indian Defense E20
- Rubinstein System E40
- Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation E43
- Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation E43
- Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation E43
- Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation E43 you are here
Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation
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.
It begins with 13 plies and takes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 b6 5. Bd3 Bb7 6. Nf3 O-O 7. O-O to reach the canonical position.
The line refines Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation, which traces back to the root opening Nimzo-Indian Defense.
The line splits into 2 documented sub-systems: Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Schlechter Defense, Nimzo-Indian Defense: St. Petersburg Variation.
Together the deeper variations number 3 across the full subtree.
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
- 13
- Direct variations
- 2
- Total in subtree
- 3
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
90,614 games · White 47.3% / Draw 5.5% / Black 47.2%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Bxc3 | 37,212 | |
| d5 | 23,047 | |
| d6 | 12,251 | |
| c5 | 10,878 | |
| h6 | 1,963 | |
| Re8 | 1,553 | |
| Nc6 | 857 | |
| Be7 | 823 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:53:49
Write a description
Markdown supported (headings ###, bold, lists, links).
Submissions are reviewed before publishing.