Chess Openings

Queen's Indian Defense

ECO E12 · Queen's Indian Defense · solid · intermediate

The Queen's Indian Defense (E12) is a solid chess opening in the Queen's Indian Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6. Central square control via fianchetto. Solid. Recommended for intermediate players.

Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6

About this opening

The Queen's Indian Defense (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6) relies on the b7 bishop fianchetto to control the e4 square and the long diagonal, in a hypermodern and very solid spirit. The Petrosian System (4.a3) and the Fianchetto Variation are its main lines. Renowned for its reliability, it was a pillar of Anatoly Karpov's and Tigran Petrosian's repertoire against 1.d4.

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