Indian: 2.e3 g6

Indian: 2.e3 g6

Definition

“Indian: 2.e3 g6” is a short-hand reference to the opening sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.e3 g6. After White’s modest second move (e3), Black replies with g6, signalling an Indian-type fianchetto (most often the King’s Indian or Grünfeld set-up). The line belongs to the family of Indian Defences; in modern databases it is usually filed under the A47 code (King’s Indian, East Indian, Colle–Zukertort systems with 2.e3).

Typical Usage in Chess Discourse

• As a transpositional tool—players say, “I’ll go for an Indian with 2.e3 g6 and see where White commits the c-pawn.”
• In opening preparation notes: “If he avoids 2.c4, I expect Indian: 2.e3 g6, steering toward a King’s Indian versus a Colle structure.”
• In commentary: “Black follows the Indian recipe with …g6 despite White’s quiet e3.”

Strategic Ideas

The position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.e3 g6 is flexible for both sides:

1. White’s Perspective
   • By playing 2.e3, White sidesteps …Bb4 pin lines of the Nimzo-Indian and keeps the option of a Colle (with Nf3, Bd3, c3, e4) or a Zukertort System (b3, Bb2).
   • The move c2-c4 can still be played later, transposing into Catalan or Queen’s Indian–type positions.
   • The structure is solid but slightly passive; the light-squared bishop often needs careful handling (Bd3, b3 or b4 plans).
2. Black’s Perspective
   • …g6 followed by …Bg7 and …d6 (or …d5) gives Black King’s-Indian flexibility without allowing White’s critical Saemisch (because c4 and f3 are not yet on the board).
   • Black may later choose Grünfeld-style play (…d5) once White commits c2-c4, or keep a closed KID with …d6, …e5.
   • The early …g6 often equalises comfortably, as White’s e3 temporarily blocks the c1-bishop, slowing central expansion.

Historical Background

The move order gained popularity in the 1920s when Edgard Colle employed it to avoid the then-fashionable Nimzo-Indian. Later, grandmasters such as Anatoly Karpov and Yasser Seirawan used the line occasionally as White, valuing its solidity. On the Black side, King’s Indian specialists (e.g., Mikhail Tal, Garry Kasparov) welcomed 2.e3 because it handed them a comfortable version of their pet defence.

Illustrative Example

Below is a short PGN fragment showing a common development path:

Key moments:

• After 6…d5 Black turns the game into a Grünfeld-like structure because White has finally played c4.
• If White had instead played 6.b3, the game would resemble a Colle–Zukertort, with Black planning …d6, …Nbd7, …e5.

Famous Game Reference

Karpov – Kasparov, Linares 1993 featured the move order 1.d4 Nf6 2.e3 g6 and transposed into a tense King’s Indian. Karpov’s restrained set-up held the centre for a long time, but Kasparov finally broke through on the kingside with thematic …f5 and …f4, illustrating the latent attacking chances Black enjoys in these structures.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The line is sometimes nick-named the “East Indian Deferred” because Black postpones …d6/…d5 until White clarifies the centre.
• Computer engines rate the position after 2.e3 g6 as almost dead equal, yet it remains a favourite “weapon of surprise” at club level—many opponents expect 2.c4 instead and find themselves out of book early.
• World Champion Magnus Carlsen, known for his off-beat choices, has played the system with both colours in rapid events, underscoring its practical value.

Practical Tips

1. If you play White:
   • Decide early whether you want a Colle (c3 & e4) or Catalan (c4 & g3) structure; delaying may hand Black the initiative.
   • Activate the c1-bishop—either by b3 & Bb2 or by Bd3 followed by e4.
2. If you play Black:
   • Keep an eye on White’s c-pawn; …d5 at the right moment can equalise.
   • Don’t rush …c5; the centre is still fluid and you may need that pawn for …e5 support later.