Indian: Queen's Indian Accelerated

Indian: Queen's Indian Accelerated

Definition

The Accelerated Queen’s Indian (ECO codes A47–A48) is a family of openings that arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 b6, or any equivalent move-order in which Black develops the queen’s-bishop to the long diagonal (…Bb7) before committing to the normal Queen’s Indian pawn-move …e6. The word “accelerated” highlights the fact that the fianchetto is achieved one tempo faster than in the classical Queen’s Indian Defence (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6).

Typical Move Orders

Two of the most common sequences are:

• 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 b6 3. Nf3 Bb7 4. g3 e6 – Black can still transpose to orthodox Queen’s Indian structures.
• 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 b6 3. Nc3 Bb7 4. Nf3 e6 – Maintaining flexibility; …d5 or …c5 may follow.

By postponing …e6, Black keeps the option of playing …e5 in one go, or even …c5 first, borrowing ideas from the Benoni, the Benko, or the English Defence. Transpositions are ubiquitous, so both sides must remain alert.

Strategic Themes

• Queenside Fianchetto. The bishop on b7 eyes the central e4-square and the long diagonal a8–h1, exerting latent pressure on White’s centre.
• Flexible Centre. Because …e6 is delayed, Black can choose between …d5 (solid), …c5 (dynamic), or even …e5 (Benoni-style).
• Piece Play over Pawns. Black often breaks with pawn thrusts only after completing development, counting on piece activity to equalise.
• White’s Space Advantage. If White obtains e4 and d5 without being challenged, the b7-bishop can become “bit-part”, so Black must react in time.

Historical Background

Although first seen in master play at the start of the 20th century, the accelerated line remained on the fringes until the 1960s, when players such as Bent Larsen and Efim Geller began to employ it as a surprise weapon. In the computer era, its notoriously high transpositional potential has appealed to creative grandmasters who prefer uncharted middlegames over well-mapped Queen’s Indian theory.

Illustrative Example

The following miniature demonstrates how Black can steer the game into active channels:

(Friendly game, 2023) – Black’s early …b6 and …Bb7 encouraged a flexible centre. When White rushed forward with e4–e5 and f2–f4–f5, the position exploded tactically, illustrating both the dynamism and the double-edged nature of the system.

Common Tactical Motifs

• …Bb4+ after …e6, pinning a knight on c3 and forcing concessions (a familiar Queen’s-Indian idea).
• …Nxe4 Tactic. The b7-bishop and a knight on f6 often collaborate to capture an unprotected e4-pawn.
• …c5 Break. Timed correctly, …c5 undermines d4 and opens the diagonal for Bb7 in one stroke.

Usage in Practice

The Accelerated Queen’s Indian is popular in rapid and blitz, where its surprise value is magnified. In classical tournaments it is chosen mainly by players who wish to sidestep mountains of Nimzo- and Queen’s-Indian theory while keeping sound strategic foundations.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Because …b6 is played on move two, database software sometimes classifies the opening as the East Indian, the English Defence, or simply “A-Old Indian” – causing confusion among collectors of statistics!
• The line made a cameo appearance in the film “Searching for Bobby Fischer.” While the positions on the board were fictitious, consultants wanted an “obscure but respectable” opening for the antagonist to use.
• GM Michael Adams once employed 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 b6 against Garry Kasparov (Linares 1993) and achieved a solid draw, demonstrating the system’s reliability at the highest level.

Example Reference Game

Kasparov–Adams, Linares 1993. Black equalised comfortably and later drew, vindicating the opening’s reputation for resilience against even the most aggressive opposition.