Theoria
8765432abcdefgh1

Nimzo-Indian Defense

Sämisch Variation, O'Kelly Variation

E26positional

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4e6
  3. 3.Nc3Bb4
  4. 4.a3Bxc3+
  5. 5.bxc3c5
  6. 6.e3b6
120 games49%48%

Nimzo-Indian Sämisch line in which Black follows ...c5 with ...b6, preparing ...Ba6 to besiege White's doubled c-pawns; positional and balanced.

Train it in Theoria

About the O'Kelly Variation

The O'Kelly Variation completes Black's standard answer to the Sämisch. After fixing the doubled pawns with 5...c5, Black plays 6...b6 to prepare ...Ba6 and pressure the c4-pawn, often followed by ...Nc6-a5 and ...Rc8. White most often continues 7. Bd3, aiming the bishop at the kingside. 7. Nf3 and 7. Ne2 are the main alternatives. The engine rates the position as balanced, and online results are close to even.

Popular continuations