Neo-Old Indian: 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5
Neo-Old Indian: 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5
Definition
The term “Neo-Old Indian” is an alternative historical name for the position that arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5. Modern theory and most databases file the opening under the Budapest Gambit Accepted (ECO A51/A52), but older European literature occasionally called it a “new” (hence Neo-) version of the Old Indian Defence because Black plays an immediate …e5 instead of the classical …d6.
How it is Used in Play
Black voluntarily sacrifices (or at least offers) a pawn to seize the initiative, open lines for rapid development, and unsettle White very early:
- 3…Ng4 – the Main Line, instantly attacking the e5-pawn and aiming to regain it with active piece play.
- 3…Ne4 – the sharp Fajarowicz (or Adler) Variation, where Black keeps the pawn deficit longer in exchange for even greater piece activity.
Strategic Themes
- Initiative vs. Material: Black accepts a temporary pawn deficit; in return, pieces spring out (…Nc6, …Bb4+) creating threats before White consolidates.
- Central Tension: If Black wins back the e5-pawn, the resulting positions often resemble the King’s Indian/Old Indian with a half-open e-file and dynamic piece play.
- Piece Activity Over Pawn Structure: The gambit is sounder than many one-pawn gambits because Black’s pieces arrive on strong squares quickly, limiting White’s ability to exploit the extra pawn.
- King Safety: Black’s king usually castles short quickly; White must be careful that the queen and dark-squared bishop do not fall behind in development.
Main Continuations After 3…Ng4
- 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.Bf4 Bb4+
A classical line in which Black often regains the pawn and equalises. - 4.Bf4 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bb4+ 6.Nc3
White keeps the pawn a little longer but concedes active piece play. - 4.e4 Nxe5 5.f4 (Adler Variation)
White clings to the pawn, but the position becomes very sharp.
Historical Development
The first recorded game with 2…e5 was Adler–Maróczy, Budapest 1896, giving the opening its modern name “Budapest Gambit.” Early adopters included Rudolf Charousek and Milan Vidmar, who used it to surprise established masters. Savielly Tartakower coined the playful label “Neo-Old Indian” in his writings of the 1920s, arguing that Black’s immediate …e5 revived the spirit of the pre-hypermodern Old Indian while adding new (neo) tactical venom.
Illustrative Game
The following classic shows Black’s compensation in action:
[[Pgn|d4|Nf6|c4|e5|dxe5|Ng4|Nf3|Nc6|Bf4|Bb4+|Nbd2|Qe7|a3|Ngxe5|Nxe5|Nxe5| 0-1|fen|r1bqk2r/pppp1ppp/2n5/3Pp3/1b1Q1B2/P3N3/1PPN1PPP/R3KB1R|arrows|g4e5|squares|e5]]Rubinstein – Alekhine, Stockholm 1912 After a flurry of active moves, Alekhine regained the pawn and kept the initiative, eventually converting in a rook ending.
Typical Plans
- For Black
- Win back the e5-pawn (…Ng4, …Nc6, …Bb4+).
- Exploit pins on the c3-knight or along the e-file.
- Maintain piece activity; avoid passive pawn-grabbing.
- For White
- Return the pawn at a convenient moment to complete development.
- Advance the queenside majority with c4-c5 or b2-b4.
- Exploit weaknesses on the dark squares once Black’s initiative subsides.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster Viktor Kortchnoi employed the gambit successfully even in world championship candidate matches, proving its soundness at the highest level.
- The adventurous Fajarowicz Variation (3…Ne4) is named after Polish master Szymon Fajarowicz, who dazzled local tournaments with it in the 1930s; engines today rate it playable but risky.
- Because the gambit begins on move two, blitz specialists love it for surprise value—your opponent may already be out of book after just three moves.
Summary
The “Neo-Old Indian” (Budapest Gambit Accepted) is an enterprising response to 1.d4 that exchanges a pawn for fast development and dynamic chances. While modern theory holds that White can keep a small edge with accurate play, the opening remains fully viable as a practical weapon and a delightful historical link between the classical Old Indian and the hyper-modern adventures of the 20th century.