Indian: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.g3 b5 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.O-O
Indian: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.g3 b5 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.O-O
Definition
The move sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.g3 b5 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.O-O is a sideline of the broad family of Indian Defences. In essence, White adopts a King’s-side fianchetto reminiscent of the Catalan, while Black responds with the unorthodox pawn thrust …b5 and a Queen-side fianchetto on b7. The result is an asymmetrical structure in which Black immediately seizes space on the a-file and b-file, hoping to discourage c2-c4 and to develop along the long diagonal. Because the variation does not yet commit either player’s c-pawn, it can transpose into several other openings (Catalan, Queen’s Indian, or even English Defence setups) depending on the next few moves.
Move-Order Nuances
• 1.d4 Nf6 – The universal King’s Knight reply that keeps
Black flexible.
• 2.Nf3 – White sidesteps …Bb4+ lines (Nimzo-Indian/Bogo-Indian) and
keeps c-pawn options open.
• 2…e6 – Black signals Queen’s-Indian or Bogo-Indian intentions.
• 3.g3 – White heads for a Catalan-type structure with Bg2.
• 3…b5!? – The critical idea of this system,
staking out Qaide-side space and preparing …Bb7.
• 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.O-O – Knights and bishops are developed; the battle
for the centre is deferred.
Strategic Themes
- Queenside Space vs. Central Pressure: Black’s pawn on b5 cramps White’s queenside but may become a target after a2-a4.
- The Long Diagonal: Placing the bishop on b7 aims at e4 and d5 squares, discouraging premature e2-e4 advances by White.
- Flexible Centres: Neither side has played c-pawn yet, so structures with …c5, …d5, or even …e5 for Black, and c4 or e4 for White, are all possible.
- Transpositional Possibilities: Depending on whether White plays c4 or a4 next, the game can transpose into a Catalan, an English Defence, or even certain Benko-style setups.
Typical Plans
- For White
- a2-a4 undermining the b5-pawn.
- b2-b3 followed by Bb2, meeting fianchetto with fianchetto.
- c2-c4 at an opportune moment to challenge Black’s queenside expansion.
- Central break e2-e4 once the b7-bishop is blunted.
- For Black
- Support the b-pawn with …a6 and generate queenside play with …c5.
- Delay castling and consider …Be7-O-O, keeping options for …c5 or …d5.
- Probe the centre with …c5 and …d5 if White allows.
- Occasionally advance the a-pawn (…a5-a4) to gain further space.
Historical and Theoretical Notes
Though the variation has never been at the absolute forefront of elite theory, it enjoys periodic revivals by creative grandmasters looking to surprise their opponents early. Mikhail Tal tried related ideas in the 1960s, while more recently players such as Richard Rapport and Alexander Morozevich—both famous for offbeat openings—have adopted the line in rapid and blitz play. Its relative rarity means concrete preparation is challenging, making it a useful practical weapon.
Illustrative Game
The following rapid encounter shows how quickly the position can sharpen after White challenges the b-pawn:
In Anand – Rapport, Leuven Rapid 2017, White eventually converted the extra pawn, illustrating the double-edged nature of Black’s early queenside adventure.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Some databases list the line under the catch-all code A45 (“Indian Game”), reflecting its hybrid nature.
- The move …b5 on move three or four is inspired by the Polish Defence (1…b5 against 1.d4 or 1.c4) but timed more safely—after e6 and Nf6—to avoid being overextended.
- Because the line can transpose to so many systems, professional players often study it under different chapter headings in their personal files—Catalan, Queen’s Indian, and even Benko Gambit sidelines.
- Computer engines initially disliked Black’s …b5 but modern neural-network engines (e.g., Leela) evaluate the position as roughly equal with precise play, giving the variation new life in correspondence chess.
Summary
The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.g3 b5 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.O-O offers a fresh, unbalanced struggle. Black’s early pawn thrust seizes queenside space and aims the dark-squared bishop at the heart of White’s position, while White enjoys rapid development and chances to undermine the advanced b-pawn. Masters who relish strategic complexity without reams of forcing theory will find this an appealing, if slightly risky, choice.