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

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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 | edit source]

2...e6[edit | edit source]

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]