Old Indian: 4.Nf3 Nc6

Before the first move

The Old Indian Defense is a solid, resilient opening where Black often concedes a space advantage to create a compact, hard-to-crack position. You'll see a battle for the center where White claims the middle with pawns while Black focuses on quick piece development and timely counter-strikes like e5.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move stakes a claim in the center and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many closed and semi-closed systems, aiming for long-term strategic control rather than immediate tactical fireworks.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the most flexible answer to d4. This move controls the e4 square and prepares for various setups. While Black could try the Englund Gambit with e5 or the solid Horwitz Defense with e6, the knight move is the gold standard for top-level 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 is the classic follow-up to d4, putting further pressure on the center and preparing to develop your knight to c3. You are building a powerful pawn duo that will make it difficult for Black to find a comfortable foothold.

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, the hallmark of the Old Indian. This is a quieter approach than the sharp Medusa Gambit with g5 or the Queen's Indian Accelerated with b6. Black is content to stay slightly cramped in exchange for a very solid and difficult position for White to break down.

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 further central expansion. By placing the knight behind the c-pawn, you maintain maximum pressure on the center while keeping your development natural and efficient.

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 most energetic response. Other solid choices include the Czech Variation with c6 or the Janowski Variation with Bf5. By playing e5, Black creates immediate tension in the center and asks White how they intend to maintain their 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 defends your d4 pawn and prepares for kingside castling. You are maintaining the central tension and developing your pieces to their most natural squares, waiting for Black to commit to a specific plan before you decide on your central structure.

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... Nc6Black

Black plays Nc6, putting maximum pressure on the d4 pawn. This is a sharp alternative to the more common Nbd7 or the immediate capture on d4. You've reached a highly theoretical position where both sides have clear goals and the battle for the center is just beginning.

Other paths here: e4 (Old Indian: 4.Nf3 e4) · exd4 (Old Indian: 4.Nf3 exd4) · Nbd7 (Old Indian: 4.Nf3 Nbd7)

Where you stand

The position is rich with strategic possibilities. White usually gains space by pushing d5, while Black will look to reorganize with Be7 and O-O. White's main goal is to use their space advantage to launch a queenside attack, while Black seeks counterplay in the center or a well-timed f5 break on the kingside.

• d4-d5 Gain space and cramp Black's knights
• c1-e3 Develop the bishop to support the center
• f8-e7 Develop the bishop and prepare to castle
• c6-b8 Relocate the knight if White pushes d5
• e1-g1 Secure the king and connect the rooks