Queen's Indian: 4.g3 Bb7

Before the first move

The Queen's Indian Defense is a sophisticated hypermodern battle for the center. Black aims to control the d5 and e4 squares using pieces from the flank, while White typically looks to neutralize this influence with a kingside fianchetto of their own. It leads to strategic, long-term maneuvering.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This classic opening move claims space in the center and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. You are setting the stage for a principled, strategic struggle where you control the pace.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the hallmark of the Indian Defenses. This flexible move contests the e4 square without committing a pawn yet. While Black could try the Horwitz Defense with e6 or the English Defense with b6, 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

Advance your pawn to c4. This move strengthens your grip on the d5 square and prepares to bring your knight out behind the pawn. It is the essential follow-up to d4, signaling your intent to build a massive central presence.

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 for either the Nimzo-Indian or the Queen's Indian. Black could also try the sharp Mexican Defense with Nc6 or the accelerated b6, but e6 is the most classical way to maintain the balance in the center.

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 natural developing move controls the center and prepares for kingside castling. By choosing this over Nc3, you avoid the Nimzo-Indian and steer the game toward the Queen's Indian or Catalan structures.

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. Instead of the main line, Black could have transitioned into the Queen's Gambit Declined with d5 or tried the sharp Blumenfeld Gambit with c5. The b6 move focuses on indirect control of the e4 square.

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 meet the Queen's Indian, as your bishop will directly oppose Black's bishop on the long diagonal and safeguard your king.

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... Bb7Black

Black places the bishop on b7, the most classical square in this opening. The main alternative is the Nimzowitsch Variation with Ba6, which attacks the c4 pawn immediately. By choosing b7, Black focuses on the central struggle and the long-term pressure on e4.

Other paths here: Ba6 (Queen's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation) · Bb4+ (Queen's Indian: 4.g3 Bb4+)

5. Bg2White · your move

Slide your bishop to g2. This completes your kingside fianchetto, providing a sturdy defense for your king and contesting the long diagonal. You are now just one move away from castling and completing your initial setup.

Where you stand

The position is balanced but rich with strategic depth. White will likely castle and then look to expand in the center with Nc3 or d5. Black usually responds with Be7 and O-O, then challenges White's center with moves like c5 or d5. The struggle revolves around the e4 and d5 squares, with both bishops exerting influence across the board.

• e1-g1 Secure the king via kingside castling.
• b1-c3 Develop the knight to contest d5.
• f8-e7 Prepare for castling and central defense.
• c7-c5 Strike at the center with c5.
• f3-e5 Occupy the central outpost at e5.