Neo-Old Indian / Modern: 3.g3

Before the first move

The Neo-Old Indian with a kingside fianchetto is a solid, strategic system where both sides fight for central control from a distance. White aims for a stable structure and long-term pressure, while Black prepares to strike back at the center after securing their king's safety behind a fianchettoed bishop.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move immediately claims space in the center and opens pathways for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many solid systems, prioritizing control and structure over the immediate tactical skirmishes often found in king's pawn openings.

1... d6Black

Black replies d6, a flexible and hypermodern response. Instead of occupying the center with d5 or e5, Black allows White to take more space for now. Other common tries here include the solid e6 (Horwitz Defense), the aggressive e5 (Englund Gambit), or the fianchetto-ready b6 (English Defense).

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This is a flexible developing move that controls the e5 and d4 squares while preparing for kingside castling. It keeps your options open, allowing you to choose between several different pawn structures later in the opening.

Other paths here: Bg5 (Neo-Old Indian: 2.Bg5) · g3 (Neo-Old Indian: 2.g3) · c4 (Old Indian Defense)

2... g6Black

Black plays g6, signaling an intent to fianchetto the bishop. This move is more flexible than the Wade Defense (Bg4), as it prepares a strong defensive shell for the king. White must now decide how to challenge this setup—either by building a big center or by mirroring the fianchetto.

Other paths here: Bg4 (Wade Defense)

3. g3White · your move

Push your pawn to g3. By preparing to place your bishop on g2, you are choosing a solid, positional approach. This mirrors Black's setup and ensures your king will be very safe after castling, while your bishop will challenge the long diagonal from a protected post.

Other paths here: Bf4 (Neo-Old Indian / Modern: 3.Bf4) · c4 (Robatsch Defense)

Where you stand

The position is balanced and rich in strategic depth. White will likely continue with Bg2 and O-O, followed by c4 to cement the center. Black will play Bg7 and Nf6, preparing to challenge White's central space with either c5 or e5. The game will revolve around who can better coordinate their minor pieces to support a central pawn break.

• f1-g2 Fianchetto the bishop to control the long diagonal
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• f8-g7 Develop the bishop to its most active square
• c2-c4 Claim more central space and support d4
• g8-f6 Develop the knight and prepare for castling