Normal Variation, Bernstein Defense
- 1.d4Nf6
- 2.c4e6
- 3.Nc3Bb4
- 4.e3O-O
- 5.Bd3d5
- 6.Nf3c5
- 7.O-ONc6
- 8.a3Bxc3
- 9.bxc3dxc4
- 10.Bxc4
156 games
Nimzo-Indian line in which Black exchanges on c3 and captures on c4, giving White the bishop pair and a c3–d4 pawn chain in a roughly balanced position.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Bernstein Defense
The Bernstein Defense branches from the Gligoric System with 7. O-O Nc6 8. a3 Bxc3 9. bxc3 dxc4 10. Bxc4. Black surrenders the dark-squared bishop and gains time against the d3-bishop, leaving White with the bishop pair and a c3–d4 chain facing Black's c5-pawn. The usual reply is 10...Qc7, with 10...cxd4 and 10...b6 the main alternatives. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and Black has scored slightly better in online play.