Old Indian: 4.Nf3 exd4

Before the first move

The Old Indian Defense is a solid, resilient system where Black allows White a space advantage in exchange for a compact, flexible setup. In this specific line, Black chooses to release the central tension early by capturing on d4, leading to an open center where piece activity and precise timing become paramount for both sides.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4. This classic opening move claims space in the center and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop, setting the stage for a powerful positional game.

1... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most popular way to meet d4. By developing the knight, Black maintains flexibility while eyeing the e4 square. Other choices like the Englund Gambit with e5 or the solid Horwitz Defense with e6 are common alternatives.

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. You are building a strong central presence and preparing to develop your knight behind the pawn. This move is essential for the Queen's Gambit structure you are aiming for.

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 chooses d6, opting for the Old Indian Defense. This move is less provocative than the sharp Nimzo-Indian or the Queen's Indian Accelerated with b6, focusing instead on a sturdy, albeit slightly cramped, pawn structure.

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 increases your control over the d5 and e4 squares and prepares for a full central occupation. You are putting natural pressure on Black's position from the start.

Other paths here: g4 (Old Indian Defense: Aged Gibbon Gambit) · g3 (Old Indian: 3.g3) · Nf3 (Old Indian: 3.Nf3)

3... e5Black

Black strikes back with e5, the defining central break. You will often see the Czech Variation with c6 or the Janowski Variation with Bf5 instead, but e5 is the most direct way to contest White's space advantage.

Other paths here: c6 (Old Indian Defense: Czech Variation, with Nc3) · Bf5 (Old Indian Defense: Janowski Variation) · Nbd7 (Old Indian: 3.Nc3 Nbd7)

4. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move reinforces your d4 pawn and prepares for kingside castling. You are maintaining the tension in the center while continuing your development smoothly.

Other paths here: d5 (Old Indian: Ukrainian, 4.d5) · dxe5 (Old Indian: Ukrainian, 4.dxe5) · e3 (Old Indian: Ukranian, 4.e3) · e4 (Old Indian: Ukranian, 4.e4)

4... exd4Black

Black plays exd4, choosing to resolve the central tension immediately. While Black often keeps the tension with Nbd7 or Nc6, this capture forces White to decide how to recapture and opens lines for both sides' pieces.

Other paths here: e4 (Old Indian: 4.Nf3 e4) · Nbd7 (Old Indian: 4.Nf3 Nbd7) · Nc6 (Old Indian: 4.Nf3 Nc6)

Where you stand

The center has opened up, and White will likely recapture on d4 with the knight. White enjoys a space advantage and easy development, while Black will look to use the d-file and the f6 knight to create counterplay. Both sides should focus on completing development and securing their kings before the middlegame fireworks begin.

• f3-d4 Recapture the pawn and centralize the knight
• c1-g5 Develop the bishop to pin the knight
• f8-e7 Prepare to castle and guard the center
• b8-d7 Develop the knight to support the center
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king