Chess openings / Nimzo-Indian Defense

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation (E21) starts 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3. In 3,900 games between strong players, White wins 44%, 16% are drawn and Black wins 41%; the most played move is 4…O-O (34%).

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1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3

ECO
E21
Games between strong players
3,900
To move
Black
44%16%41%

White wins, draws and Black wins, from this position.

What strong players play next

The moves played most from this position in over-the-board broadcasts and the Lichess Elite Database, how often, and how the games ended.

MovePlayedResultsLeads to
4…O-O34% (1,314)43%16%41%–
4…b629% (1,146)42%18%40%–
4…c515% (576)46%41%–
4…d512% (454)45%15%40%Queen's Gambit Declined: Ragozin Defense
4…Bxc3+7% (254)52%39%–
4…d62% (59)31%19%50%–

Where it comes from and where it goes

Branches from Nimzo-Indian Defense 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4

Top players' games in the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, reviewed

More Nimzo-Indian Defense lines

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