Queen's Indian: 4.g3 Bb4+

Before the first move

The Queen's Indian Defense is a flexible hypermodern opening where Black controls the center with pieces rather than pawns. By fianchettoing the light-squared bishop, Black exerts pressure on the e4-square. White aims to build a solid center and use the g3 fianchetto to challenge Black's long-range influence.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims central space and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many strategic systems where you aim for long-term control rather than immediate tactical fireworks.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the most popular way to meet d4. By developing the knight, Black controls e4 and d5. While alternatives like the Englund Gambit or the English Defense with b6 exist, Nf6 is the gold standard for high-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 standard follow-up to d4, preparing to challenge the d5-square and gaining more space on the queenside. It also clears the c3-square for your knight to exert further central influence.

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

Black chooses e6, a move that prepares to contest the center. This is a crossroads: Black could have opted for the Nimzo-Indian or Queen's Indian structures. Other choices like the Mexican Defense with Nc6 or the sharp Medusa Gambit are far less common.

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 reinforces your control over d4 and e5. By delaying the development of the queenside knight, you keep your options open and avoid certain lines like the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

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

3... b6Black

Black plays b6, the signature move of the Queen's Indian. Instead of the more direct d5, Black chooses to control the center from the flank. Alternatives like Be7 or the fighting Blumenfeld Gambit are also frequently seen at this stage.

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. g3White · your move

Push your pawn to g3. You are preparing to fianchetto your own bishop to g2. This is the most popular way to fight the Queen's Indian, as your bishop will neutralize Black's light-squared bishop along the main diagonal.

Other paths here: Nc3 (Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov Variation) · Bf4 (Queen's Indian Defense: Miles Variation) · a3 (Queen's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation) · Bg5 (Queen's Indian: 4.Bg5)

4... Bb4+Black

Black plays Bb4+, a sharp check that forces White to make a decision. This is a modern alternative to the traditional Bb7 or the Nimzowitsch Variation with Ba6. White must now choose whether to block with the bishop or the knight.

Other paths here: Bb7 (Queen's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Traditional Line) · Ba6 (Queen's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. White will likely block the check with Bd2 or Nbd2, aiming for a solid setup with Bg2 and castling. Black will continue with Bb7 and O-O, maintaining a flexible stance. The battle revolves around the e4 and d5 squares, with both sides seeking to optimize their piece coordination in a dense, maneuvering game.

• c1-d2 Block the check and challenge the bishop
• f1-g2 Fianchetto the bishop to control the diagonal
• c8-b7 Develop the bishop to the long diagonal
• e8-g8 Castle kingside to secure the king
• b1-d2 Alternative block to keep the bishop pair