Chess Openings

Bogo-Indian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation

ECO E11 · Bogo-Indian Defense

The Bogo-Indian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation (E11) is a chess opening in the Bogo-Indian Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 Qe7.

Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 Qe7

About this opening

The Nimzowitsch Variation (4.Bd2 Qe7) prepares to keep the b4 bishop, trading with ...Bxd2 only when convenient, the queen on e7 supporting the knight and preparing ...O-O and ...d6. Black aims for a solid, flexible structure, in the prophylactic spirit dear to Aron Nimzowitsch. It is a sound line of the Bogo-Indian, favoring piece coordination and control of e4.

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