Classical Variation, Milner-Barry Variation
- 1.d4Nf6
- 2.c4e6
- 3.Nc3Bb4
- 4.Qc2Nc6
- 5.Nf3d6
370 games
Nimzo-Indian line in which Black follows 4...Nc6 with 5...d6, aiming for ...e5 and a closed center with play on opposite wings.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Milner-Barry Variation
Named after the British player Stuart Milner-Barry, this line has Black meet 5. Nf3 with 5...d6, preparing ...e5 so the c8-bishop is not hemmed in, often after castling and ...Re8 or ...Qe7. White usually answers ...e5 with d5 and plays on the queenside. Black reroutes the knight to e7 or b8 and seeks ...f5. The position also arises via the Black Knights' Tango. 6. Bg5 is the most common reply, and 6. Bd2 is the Zurich Variation.
Popular continuations
- 6. Bg5 Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Milner-Barry Variation 31% 113
- 6. e4 Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Milner-Barry Variation 23% 85
- 6. a3 Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Milner-Barry Variation 22% 81
- 6. Bd2 Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Zurich Variation 15% 56