Old Indian: 3.Nf3 Bf5

Before the first move

The Old Indian Defense is a solid, resilient system where Black avoids the hyper-modern King's Indian in favor of a more classical, compact pawn structure. By placing the bishop on f5 early, Black aims to control the e4-square and disrupt White's typical central space advantage.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This classic opening move claims the center and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. You are establishing a foothold in the middle of the board while preparing to dictate the pace of the game.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, the hallmark of the Indian Defenses. This move controls e4 and prepares for further central action. Other rare but playable tries include the Englund Gambit with e5, the solid e6, or the English Defense with b6.

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 grip on the d5-square and prepares to develop your knight behind the pawn. It is a standard follow-up to d4 that builds a powerful central presence.

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

2... d6Black

Black plays d6, signaling the Old Indian Defense. This is a quieter approach than the sharp Benoni with c5 or the hyper-modern Grunfeld. Black builds a solid wall, though they could also consider the Mexican Defense with Nc6 or the Queen's Indian with b6.

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

3. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This natural developing move controls the center and prepares for kingside castling. It is a flexible choice that keeps the pressure on Black while maintaining a balanced and secure position.

Other paths here: g4 (Old Indian Defense: Aged Gibbon Gambit) · g3 (Old Indian: 3.g3) · Nc3 (Old Indian: 3.Nc3)

3... Bf5Black

Black replies Bf5, an active and provocative choice in the Old Indian. By developing the bishop before playing e5, Black avoids the cramped positions typical of this line. Alternatives like the Czech Variation with c6 or the main line Nbd7 are more common.

Other paths here: c6 (Old Indian Defense: Czech Variation, with Nf3) · Nbd7 (Old Indian: 3.Nf3 Nbd7) · Bg4 (Old Indian Defense: Tartakower-Indian)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. White will likely try to exploit the bishop on f5 by playing Qb3 or Nc3, while Black aims to solidify the center with c6 and eventually challenge White's space with e5. Both sides must balance piece activity with careful pawn play in this complex, maneuvering battle.

• d1-b3 Pressure b7 and d5 with the queen
• b1-c3 Develop the knight to its natural square
• c7-c6 Solidify the d5-square and center
• b8-d7 Bring the knight to support e5