Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...Nf6/2. c4/2...e6

Indian Defense
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8 8
7 a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7 7
6 a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6 6
5 a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5 5
4 a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4 4
3 a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3 3
2 a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2 2
1 a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1 1
a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6

Indian Defence edit

2...e6 edit

2...e6 is a move with several purposes. First, it opens a diagonal for the development of Black's dark-squared bishop. It also challenges White's ambition in the center by attacking the d5 square. By doing so, Black prepares to play ...d5 while discouraging White from playing d5 themself.

A disadvantage for Black of systems with ...e6 is that the pawn on e6 blocks the c8-h3 diagonal on which Black's light-squared bishop may wish to operate. Finding a useful way to develop this piece, either through a queenside fianchetto or a future reopening of the c8-h3 diagonal, is a perennial challenge for Black players after ...e6. However, the inactivity of the light-squared bishop, while sometimes problematic, is rarely fatal in the early going, and should not discourage Black players from choosing 2...e6 or ...e6 on a later move.

White has three main choices here:

  • 3. Nc3 - more aggressive in trying to establish a center via e2-e4, but also allows the 3...Bb4 pin (Nimzo-Indian). Black may also play a Benoni (3...c5) or QGD (3...d5).
  • 3. Nf3 - Less aggressive but solid. White may face a Queen's Indian (3...b6), Benoni, Bogo-Indian (3...Bb4+), or QGD.
  • 3. g3 - This usually leads to a Catalan, or sometimes a Symmetrical English or Benoni. The Catalan offers good chances for White to obtain powerful piece play in a more open game than the typical 1. d4 openings.

Theory table edit

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6

3
Nc3
...
=
Nf3
...
=
g3
...
=
Neo-Indian Attack Bg5
...
=

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References edit