Theoria
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Nimzo-Indian Defense

Three Knights Variation, Euwe Variation

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  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4e6
  3. 3.Nc3Bb4
  4. 4.Nf3c5
  5. 5.d5Ne4
36 games58%36%

A rare Nimzo-Indian line in which Black answers White's d5 advance with 5...Ne4, using the pin on the c3-knight to occupy e4 and press on c3.

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About the Euwe Variation

After 4...c5 5. d5 (the Korchnoi Variation), the Euwe Variation continues 5...Ne4. The pinned knight on c3 cannot contest e4, so Black's knight settles there and adds pressure to c3 instead of attacking White's advanced d-pawn. White usually defends with 6. Qc2, which also attacks the knight, or breaks the pin with 6. Bd2. The engine's first choice is 6. Qd3 and it rates the position as balanced. The line is seldom played.

Popular continuations