Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation

Before the first move

The Bogo-Indian Defense is a sophisticated hypermodern opening where Black challenges the center with pieces rather than pawns. In the Wade-Smyslov Variation, you avoid trading your dark-squared bishop immediately, instead using your a-pawn to anchor it on b4 and create a strategic outpost on the queenside.

1. d4White

White plays d4, the most common way to start a closed game. By occupying the center, White invites various responses, ranging from the solid Queen's Gambit Declined to the more dynamic Indian Defenses.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is the most flexible response to d4, preventing White from immediately playing e4 and keeping your options open for several different defensive setups.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, increasing their grip on the center. While White could try the London System with Bf4 or the Catalan with g3, this move is the most ambitious way to challenge 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... e6Black · your move

Push your pawn to e6. You are preparing to develop your kingside and challenging the center. This move opens a path for your f8-bishop while maintaining a solid pawn structure.

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, a very solid choice that sidesteps the Nimzo-Indian Defense. Alternatively, White could have played g3 to enter the Catalan Opening or Nc3 to allow the Nimzo-Indian.

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

3... Bb4+Black · your move

Develop your bishop to b4 and deliver a check. This move forces White to respond immediately to the threat and prepares for the Bogo-Indian structure, aiming to disrupt White's smooth development.

Other paths here: d5 (Queen's Gambit Declined) · Ne4 (Indian Defense: Döry Indian) · a6 (Indian Defense: Dzindzi-Indian Defense) · Be7 (Neo-Indian: 3.Nf3 Be7)

4. Bd2White

White plays Bd2, challenging the bishop on b4. White could also block with the knight on d2 or c3, but this bishop move is the most direct way to resolve the tension on the queenside.

Other paths here: Nbd2 (Bogo-Indian Defense: Grünfeld Variation) · Nfd2 (Bogo-Indian Defense: New England Variation) · Nc3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, Shocron Gambit)

4... a5Black · your move

Push your pawn to a5. Instead of trading on d2, you reinforce your bishop on b4. If White captures your bishop, you will recapture with the pawn, gaining a strong grip on the b4 square.

Other paths here: Bxd2+ (Bogo-Indian Defense: Exchange Variation) · Nc6 (Bogo-Indian Defense: Haiti Variation) · Qe7 (Bogo-Indian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation) · Be7 (Bogo-Indian Defense: Retreat Variation)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. White will likely try to expand in the center with e3 and eventually e4, while Black focuses on maintaining the b4 outpost and preparing d6 or d5. Both sides have achieved solid development, and the battle will revolve around whether White can exploit their central space or if Black can create counterplay on the wings.

• b4-d2 Trade bishops if White plays a3
• b1-c3 Develop the knight to c3
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• d8-e7 Develop the queen to e7
• d7-d6 Prepare d6 to challenge the center