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Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation

276 games from Lichess · Updated January 2026

Tough Sell
Black Expected Score49.5%Range (90% confident): 44.6% – 54.4%Based on 276 games
0%49.5%100%
Range (90% confident): 44.6% – 54.4%
Outcome Distribution
45.6%7.7%46.7%
Win
Draw
Loss
7...c5
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation
Analyzen=276
Avg Length37 moves
Sharpness92%
Draw Rate7.7%

What is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation expected score for Black?

Snapshot

At all ratings, the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation has a 49.5% expected score for Black (we're 90% confident it's between 44.6% and 54.4%), based on 276 Lichess games.

Black Win% by Rating

Declines with rating: 71% → 37%

1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
2200
2500+

  • 1200-1399: 71.4% win rate (2 games)
  • 1400-1599: 60.0% win rate (6 games)
  • 1600-1799: 59.0% win rate (18 games)
  • 1800-1999: 48.3% win rate (43 games)
  • 2000-2199: 41.5% win rate (72 games)
  • 2200-2499: 44.8% win rate (100 games)
  • 2500+: 37.0% win rate (35 games)

Black Win% by Time Control

Best in Blitz (48%), worst in Bullet (39%)

Bullet
Blitz
Rapid

  • Bullet: 38.7% win rate (67 games)
  • Blitz: 48.0% win rate (187 games)
  • Rapid: 44.7% win rate (22 games)

Black% by Rating × Time Control

Click any cell to filter. Green = above 50%, Red = below 50%.

RatingUBBulleBlitzRapidClass
0-999—————
1000-1199—————
1200-1399———
1400-1599———
1600-1799——
1800-1999——
2000-2199——
2200-2499——
2500+———

Expected score matrix by rating bracket and time control

  • 1200-1399 rating, Blitz: 70.0% expected score (1 games)
  • 1200-1399 rating, Rapid: 70.0% expected score (1 games)
  • 1400-1599 rating, Bullet: 70.0% expected score (1 games)
  • 1400-1599 rating, Blitz: 57.7% expected score (5 games)
  • 1600-1799 rating, Bullet: 31.9% expected score (4 games)
  • 1600-1799 rating, Blitz: 72.3% expected score (12 games)
  • 1600-1799 rating, Rapid: 50.0% expected score (2 games)
  • 1800-1999 rating, Bullet: 50.0% expected score (10 games)
  • 1800-1999 rating, Blitz: 53.7% expected score (26 games)
  • 1800-1999 rating, Rapid: 44.2% expected score (7 games)
  • 2000-2199 rating, Bullet: 40.5% expected score (9 games)
  • 2000-2199 rating, Blitz: 46.6% expected score (57 games)
  • 2000-2199 rating, Rapid: 50.0% expected score (6 games)
  • 2200-2499 rating, Bullet: 40.9% expected score (26 games)
  • 2200-2499 rating, Blitz: 52.2% expected score (68 games)
  • 2200-2499 rating, Rapid: 63.4% expected score (6 games)
  • 2500+ rating, Bullet: 41.9% expected score (17 games)
  • 2500+ rating, Blitz: 42.4% expected score (18 games)

Related Openings

Parent
Nimzo-Indian Defense
48.4%
Variations (5)
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation
50.0%
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation
48.8%
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation
50.5%
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation
49.5%
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Kmoch Variation
51.8%
Analyze Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation PositionsGet move-by-move win rates with the TrueElo analyzer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation win rate?

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation has a 46.7% (90% CI: 41.8%-51.6%) win rate for white, based on 276 rated games from Lichess.

At what rating does the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation perform best?

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation performs best at 2000-2199 Elo with a 49.7% win rate for white (72 games). Win rate tends to decline at higher ratings as opponents know the theory better.

Is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation better in blitz or rapid?

Bullet (54.7%) outperforms Blitz (44.8%) by 9.9%. Choose your time control wisely.

How sharp is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation?

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation has a sharpness score of 92.3 (decisive), meaning 92.3% of games end decisively. Average game length is 37 moves.

What is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation win rate at 2200-2499 Elo?

At 2200-2499 Elo, the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation has a 44.8% (90% CI: 36.8%-53.0%) win rate for white, based on 100 Lichess games. Average game length is 40 moves with a 10.3% draw rate.

What is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation win rate in Blitz?

In Blitz games, the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation has a 44.8% (90% CI: 38.9%-50.8%) win rate for white (187 Lichess games). Draw rate is 7.2%.

Is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation a good opening?

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Modern Variation is slightly favors black with a 46.7% (90% CI: 41.8%-51.6%) win rate across all ratings. It performs best at 2000-2199 Elo. Your results depend on your rating, time control, and how well you know the typical plans.