Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation is a named branch in the Indian Defenses group of chess theory, classified under ECO E34.

The Indian Defenses group covers Indian defences — hypermodern lines where Black challenges the centre with pieces rather than pawns.

Play reaches this position via 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5, after 8 plies of opening development.

In the opening tree, this line branches off from Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, part of the broader Nimzo-Indian Defense system.

3 named variations grow from this line, including Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Belyavsky Gambit, Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation.

In total, the branch covers 9 sub-variations across all depths.

Use the board to walk through every move, check how the position has scored on Lichess, or take it head-to-head against Stockfish.