Queen's Indian: 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Qc8

Before the first move

The Queen's Indian Defense is a sophisticated hypermodern opening where Black controls the center with pieces rather than pawns. By fianchettoing the light-squared bishop, Black creates long-range pressure on the d4 and e4 squares. White aims to build a solid center and neutralize Black's bishop with a kingside fianchetto of their own.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4 to claim immediate space in the center. This move opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop while preventing Black from easily occupying the e5 square with a pawn.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, preventing White from establishing a perfect pawn center with e4. This is the starting point for all Indian Defenses. While d5 is the old main line, alternatives like the Englund Gambit or the English Defense with b6 are also seen.

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 to increase your grip on the d5 square. This move prepares to develop the knight to c3 and creates a classic pawn duo that challenges Black to find a way to break through the center.

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 plays e6, a multi-purpose move that prepares both d5 and bishop development. At this stage, Black might also consider the sharp Mexican Defense with Nc6 or the immediate Queen's Indian Accelerated with b6, though e6 is the most solid foundation.

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 to support your d4 pawn and prepare for kingside castling. This move avoids the Nimzo-Indian Defense and steers the game toward the Queen's Indian or the Catalan Opening.

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

3... b6Black

Black plays b6, signaling the Queen's Indian Defense. By preparing to fianchetto the bishop, Black targets the e4 and d5 squares. Black could have instead played d5 to enter the Queen's Gambit Declined or Be7 to keep the position more closed.

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 to prepare your own fianchetto. By placing your bishop on g2, you will oppose Black's bishop on the long diagonal and provide excellent protection for your king after you castle.

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 plays Bb7, completing the first part of their plan. The bishop is now a powerful force on the long diagonal. Black sometimes prefers the Nimzowitsch Variation with Ba6 to attack the c4 pawn, or the checking line with Bb4+.

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

5. Bg2White · your move

Move your bishop to g2. This completes your kingside fianchetto and creates a powerful defender for your king. Your bishop now stares down the long diagonal, mirroring Black's piece and preparing for a fight over the central squares.

5... Qc8Black

Black plays the mysterious Qc8, a modern and flexible choice. It supports the b7 bishop and prepares to strike at the center. More traditional alternatives include Be7 (the main line) or the immediate central challenge with c5.

Other paths here: c5 (Queen's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation) · Bb4+ (Queen's Indian Defense: Capablanca Variation) · Be7 (Queen's Indian Defense: Traditional Variation)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich and balanced. White will likely castle and look to expand in the center with d5 or e4, while Black will complete development with Be7 and O-O. The battle revolves around the d5 square; if Black can successfully play c5 or d5 without allowing a devastating central breakthrough, they will achieve excellent prospects in the middlegame.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• d4-d5 Push d5 to seize central space
• f8-e7 Develop bishop and prepare to castle
• c8-b7 Support the b7 bishop's diagonal pressure
• b1-c3 Develop the knight to control d5