Chess Openings

Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation

ECO E11 · Bogo-Indian Defense

The Bogo-Indian Defense: Wade-Smyslov Variation (E11) is a chess opening in the Bogo-Indian Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 a5.

Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 a5

About this opening

The Wade-Smyslov Variation (4.Bd2 a5) supports the b4 bishop with the a5 pawn to keep it pinning and gain queenside space. Black thereby maintains the tension and prepares ...d6, ...Nc6 or ...b6 in a flexible scheme. The idea is to delay the exchange and pose concrete questions to White's development. A strategic line valued for its combative solidity.

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