Queen's Indian: 4.g3 Bb4+ 5.Bd2 Bxd2+

Before the first move

The Queen's Indian Defense is a flexible hypermodern opening where Black controls the center using pieces rather than pawns. By fianchettoing the light-squared bishop, Black puts pressure on the e4 and d5 squares, while White seeks a space advantage and a solid kingside setup with a fianchetto of their own.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims central space, opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop, and sets the stage for a strategic battle where you control the pace of the game from the very first move.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the hallmark of the Indian Defenses. This move prevents an immediate e4 by White and maintains maximum flexibility. While Black could try the Englund Gambit with e5 or the English Defense with b6, this knight move is the most respected and common reply.

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. By attacking the d5 square from the side, you prepare to increase your central influence and create a space advantage. This move is a fundamental part of the Queen's Gambit and Indian structures.

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, preparing for either the Nimzo-Indian or the Queen's Indian. This is a very flexible choice compared to the more forcing Benoni structures or the Mexican Defense with Nc6. It keeps the central tension high while preparing for rapid development.

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

Bring your knight to f3. This move develops a piece toward the center, supports your d4 pawn, and prepares for kingside castling. It also avoids the Nimzo-Indian Defense by not placing a knight on c3 just yet.

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

3... b6Black

Black plays b6, entering the Queen's Indian Defense proper. Instead of the solid d5 of the Queen's Gambit Declined or the sharp Blumenfeld Gambit with c5, Black chooses to fight for the e4 square from a distance using the light-squared bishop.

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

Move your pawn to g3. You are preparing to fianchetto your own bishop to g2. This creates a solid kingside fortress and contests the long diagonal, mirroring Black's strategy and preparing for a safe castled position.

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 modern and energetic line. Rather than the traditional Bb7 or the Nimzowitsch Variation with Ba6, Black immediately forces White to address the king's safety, often leading to a trade of light-squared bishops that eases Black's defensive task.

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

5. Bd2White · your move

Develop your bishop to d2 to block the check. This is the most natural way to parry the attack, challenging Black's bishop and preparing to complete your minor piece development. You are ready to recapture and maintain a solid central presence.

5... Bxd2+Black

Black captures on d2, forcing White to recapture. This trade is a key goal of the Bb4+ variation, as it removes a pair of minor pieces and makes Black's position easier to play. White will now have to decide whether to recapture with the knight or the queen.

Where you stand

The position is roughly equal after the trade on d2. White usually recaptures with the queen to keep the knight flexible, then focuses on completing the kingside fianchetto and castling. Black will castle and play d5 or c5 to challenge the center. The game will revolve around White's slight space advantage versus Black's solid, pressure-based setup.

• d1-d2 Recapture with the queen to maintain development
• f1-g2 Fianchetto the bishop to control the diagonal
• e8-g8 Castle kingside to secure the king
• d7-d5 Strike at the center with d5