The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Keres Variation reaches a named position after 8 moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. f3 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 c5 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. dxc5
In practical games, this line matters because the early pawn and piece choices decide which middlegame plans are natural. Use the board above to learn the move order, then complete Practice without hints before adding the opening to your regular queue.
If this exact branch does not appear in your games, study the related lines below. Openings often transpose, and recognizing the family pattern is more useful than memorizing one narrow sequence.
The idea behind this line
Black pins the c3 knight and fights for e4 without occupying the center with pawns.
What to look for
- Pressure c3 and e4.
- Use ...d5 or ...c5 according to White's setup.
- Trade on c3 only when the structure gives a target.
Position details
This line branches from Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation with Nxd5.
rnbqk2r/pp3ppp/4p3/2pn4/3P4/P1P2P2/4P1PP/R1BQKBNR w KQkq - 0 8