The Nimzo-Indian, named after Aron Nimzowitsch is the Queen's Indian with a twist - Black's bishop on the knight at c3. Like the Queen's Indian, the Nimzo is open and asymetrical. Early activity centers around the queenside.

The Nimzo-Indian is characterized by Black's third move B-b4, as noted above. This defense has excellent opportunities for a winning game for black. Major variations of the Nimzo have white either moving "4. c5 ..." or "4. 0-0 ...".