Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 h6 5. Bh4 c5 6. d5 d6
7. e3−0.09
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense (E31), reached after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 h6 5. Bh4 c5 6. d5 d6, Stockfish 18 recommends 7. e3 for White. The position is roughly equal (−0.09).
Top engine moves
- −0.097. e3 Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 e5 9. Qc2 g5 10. Bg3 Qe7 11. Be2 Nbd7
- −0.447. Rc1 Bxc3+ 8. Rxc3 O-O 9. e3 exd5 10. cxd5 Nbd7 11. Bd3 Qa5
- −0.457. Qc2 exd5 8. cxd5 Nbd7 9. e3 Qa5 10. Ne2 O-O 11. a3 Nxd5
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense?
After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 h6 5. Bh4 c5 6. d5 d6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 7. e3 for White, continuing Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 e5 9. Qc2 g5 10. Bg3 Qe7 11. Be2 Nbd7. The position is roughly equal (−0.09). The next best moves are 7. Rc1 (−0.44) and 7. Qc2 (−0.45).
Is the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at −0.09: the position is roughly equal. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense?
E31. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; E is the volume for indian defenses.
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).