Indian Game Canard Variation
Indian Game — Canard Variation
Definition
The Canard Variation is a sub-line of the Indian Game, beginning with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bg5. White sidesteps the mainstream King’s Indian and Grünfeld by declining an early c4 and instead pins the f6-knight with Bg5. ECO classifies the position under code A46.
Typical Move-Order
The standard sequence is:
After 3…Bg7 White often continues 4. Nbd2 and 5. e3, reaching a Torre-like set-up without allowing …d5 to come with tempo against a pawn on c4.Strategic Ideas
- Early Pin: The bishop on g5 restrains the f6-knight, making …e5 or …d5 harder to achieve and discouraging Black’s thematic pawn breaks.
- Flexible Centre: By delaying c2-c4, White keeps options open. A later c4, e4, or even b3 & c4 set-ups are all possible.
- Solid Development: White often castles quickly, places rooks on e1 and d1, and only then decides on a central pawn thrust.
- Black’s Counterplay: The most common replies are 3…d5 (aiming for a solid Queen’s-Indian-style centre) or 3…Ne4 (immediately questioning the bishop). Younger theory also tests 3…c5 & …Qb6, pressuring the d- and b-files.
Historical Background
The name “Canard” — French for “duck” — is a bit of chess folklore. 19th-century Parisian journalists allegedly likened the pinning bishop’s silhouette to a duck’s beak jutting across the board. The variation remained obscure until the 1980s when Soviet grandmaster Artur Yusupov used it as a surprise weapon against King’s Indian specialists.
Illustrative Game
Yusupov vs Spraggett, Wijk aan Zee 1988
Yusupov’s early b2-b4 pawnbreak exploited Black’s queenside tension and led to a pleasant space advantage, eventually converting into a full point.
Practical Usage
- When to Choose It: Ideal as a low-theory alternative for London, Torre, or Colle players who want to appear on the board with minimal risk yet still ask new questions.
- Time Controls: Particularly effective in rapid and blitz, where opponents expect a King’s Indian and burn clock deciding on a set-up.
- Transpositions: Can transpose to the Torre Attack, the London System, or certain Catalan-lite structures after c2-c4.
Interesting Facts
- The variation is so rare that many databases list it under multiple names: Yusupov–Rubinstein System, Torre with …g6, or simply A46 Indian Game. “Canard” remains the most colorful.
- Despite its modest reputation, engines rate the starting position after 3. Bg5 as roughly equal (≈ +0.10), making it sound for practical play.
- GM Magnus Carlsen used the line (with an early h3) in an online blitz arena in 2020, winning in 25 moves — briefly rekindling interest among streamers.
Key Takeaways
The Indian Game – Canard Variation is a quiet but venomous detour around established King’s Indian theory. Its blend of solid structure, strategic flexibility, and surprise value makes it a useful addition to any 1. d4 player’s repertoire.