Indian: Queen's Indian Accelerated

Before the first move

The Queen's Indian Accelerated is a hypermodern opening where Black challenges the center from the flanks. By delaying e6 and fianchettoing the light-squared bishop immediately, Black puts early pressure on the e4 and d5 squares, while White aims to build a powerful central presence and maintain a space advantage.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This classic opening move claims space in the center and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. You are establishing a foothold that limits Black's immediate central options while preparing to support a second central pawn push.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the hallmark of the Indian Defenses. This move stops White from creating a perfect pawn center with e4. Other options like the Englund Gambit with e5 or the English Defense with b6 are sharper but considered less reliable at the highest levels of play.

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

2. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4. This move increases your control over the d5 square and prepares to develop your knight behind the pawn. It is the foundation of the Queen's Gambit and most Indian systems, creating a broad front that challenges Black's setup.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... b6Black

Black chooses b6, the signature move of the Queen's Indian. This avoids the main lines of the Queen's Gambit Declined or the Nimzo-Indian. If Black wanted a different fight, they could have tried the Slav Indian with c6 or the sharp Mexican Defense with Nc6.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3. This move reinforces your control over d5 and, more importantly, prepares the e4 pawn push. By putting the knight here, you are challenging Black to find a way to stop your central expansion before you take over the board.

3... Bb7Black

Black completes the maneuver with Bb7, putting immediate pressure on the e4 square. This is the Accelerated version because Black hasn't even played e6 yet. White now has to decide whether to push e3 to solidify or try to force e4 through with a move like Qc2.

Where you stand

The position is a classic hypermodern struggle. White has a space advantage and will likely try to push e4 to dominate the center. Black will counter by attacking the d4 pawn or pressuring e4 with pieces. Both sides must balance their development with the fight for these key central squares in the coming moves.

• d1-c2 Support the e4 push with the queen
• c1-g5 Pin the knight to weaken central control
• f6-e4 Maintain pressure on the e4 square
• e7-e6 Prepare to challenge the center with d5