Indian Defense: Anti-Nimzo-Indian

Before the first move

The Anti-Nimzo-Indian is a flexible setup where White avoids the immediate pin of the knight on c3. By developing the kingside knight first, White keeps options open for various systems like the Queen's Indian or Bogo-Indian, while Black maintains a solid, classical structure ready to challenge the center.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, a move that focuses on central control and solid development. While e4 is the most common alternative, d4 leads to more strategic, closed games. You will need to decide how to contest the center—either with a direct pawn strike or by developing your pieces first.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is the most flexible response to d4, preventing White from playing e4 and preparing to see how White will continue their setup. It keeps your options open for several different defensive systems.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, doubling down on central influence and preparing the way for the queen's knight. White could have tried the London System setup or the Trompowsky with Bg5, but c4 is the most ambitious and theoretically challenging path for Black to meet.

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

2... e6Black · your move

Push your pawn to e6. This move solidifies your control of d5 and prepares to develop your dark-squared bishop. It is a very flexible choice that can lead to the Nimzo-Indian, the Queen's Indian, or the Queen's Gambit Declined.

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

3. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, opting for the Anti-Nimzo-Indian. Instead of allowing the pin on c3, White develops the kingside first. Other popular choices here include the Catalan with g3 or the aggressive Seirawan Attack with Bg5, but Nf3 remains the most flexible and popular grandmaster choice.

Other paths here: g3 (Catalan Opening) · Qb3 (Indian Defense) · g4 (Indian Defense: Devin Gambit) · Bg5 (Indian Defense: Seirawan Attack)

Where you stand

The position is rich with possibilities for both sides. Black must now choose between the solid Bogo-Indian with Bb4 or the classical Queen's Indian with b6. White will aim to occupy the center and castle quickly, while Black seeks to undermine White's pawn structure and create counterplay on the light squares.

• f8-b4 Develop the bishop to pin or trade
• b7-b6 Prepare to fianchetto the light-squared bishop
• c1-g5 Pin the knight to increase central pressure
• e1-g1 Secure the king and connect the rooks