Neo-Old Indian: Modern, 3.Nc3 Bg7

Neo-Old Indian: Modern, 3.Nc3 Bg7

Definition

The Neo-Old Indian, Modern line (ECO A53) arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 Bg7. It is called “Neo-Old Indian” because it retains the Old Indian set-up (…d6, …Nf6, …e7–e5 ideas) while adopting modern developments (…Bg7 and …0-0) that are more typical of the King’s Indian Defence (KID). In the strict sense:

• “Old Indian” = 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6 3.Nc3 e5.
• “Neo-Old Indian” = same first three moves, but Black plays 3…Bg7 (and usually …0-0) before committing the e-pawn.

Typical Move Order

The opening position appears after:

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 Bg7

From here play may continue:

1. 4. e4 0-0 5. Nf3 e5 → transposes to the Classical Old Indian but with Black already castled.
2. 4. Nf3 0-0 5. g3 c5 → structures reminiscent of a Fianchetto KID.
3. 4. e4 0-0 5. Be2 c5 → Benoni-like central tension.

Strategic Themes

• Flexible center. Black delays …e5 and may choose between …e5, …c5, or even …e6 depending on White’s set-up.
• King’s-side fianchetto. The bishop on g7 pressures the center (especially d4/e5 squares) and often influences the long diagonal a1–h8.
• Pawn structure crossover. Plans can transpose into the KID, Old Indian, Pirc/Modern, Benoni, or even the Fianchetto Grünfeld depending on when and how …e5 or …c5 are played.
• Piece placement over pawn commitment. By postponing …e5, Black keeps a wider range of manoeuvring options and can react to White’s central plan (e4, f3, g3, etc.).

Historical Significance

The original Old Indian Defence was popular in the early 20th century (e.g., by Tarrasch and Janowski). When the King’s Indian surged in the 1940s–50s (Bronstein, Boleslavsky, Geller), the idea of first fianchettoing the bishop on g7 before deciding on …e5 gained followers. Tigran Petrosian employed this “modern” order to sidestep sharp anti-KID lines and reach more positional struggles. Later, players such as Ulf Andersson, Viktor Korchnoi, and Vladimir Kramnik re-introduced it as a surprise weapon.

Illustrative Game

Vladimir Kramnik – Igor Kurnosov, Tal Memorial Blitz, Moscow 2011

Key moments: Black’s flexible move order allowed him to reach a Benoni structure with an already-castled king, while Kramnik used the extra tempi for harmonious development. The game shows the double-edged nature of the opening—solid yet capable of transposing into dynamic pawn structures.

Typical Plans for Each Side

• White
  • Advance e2-e4, occupy the center, and sometimes support d4 with f2-f3.
  • Fianchetto the king’s bishop (g3, Bg2) to neutralize Black’s diagonal pressure.
  • Queenside expansion with c4-c5, b2-b4, and sometimes a2-a4 against Benoni structures.
• Black
  • Break in the center with …e5 or on the queenside with …c5, based on White’s set-up.
  • Maintain a solid pawn chain (d6–e7) while manoeuvring pieces: …Nbd7, …e5 or …c5, …Re8 followed by …Nf8–e6 or …Nf6–h5–f4.
  • Utilize the g7-bishop and potential …f5 thrusts for kingside play.

Advantages & Drawbacks

• Pros for Black
  • Avoids heavily analyzed mainline KID and Grünfeld theory.
  • Offers transpositional possibilities to outwit a well-prepared opponent.
  • Solid structure; early castling ensures king safety.
• Cons for Black
  • Can yield spatial disadvantage if White gains e4/d4 pawns uncontested.
  • Less forcing than mainline KID; may concede a small but lasting edge to precise positional players.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• When asked why he adopted the line, Tigran Petrosian quipped, “I like my bishops employed before my pawns enlisted,” highlighting the philosophy of piece development first.
• Grandmaster Ulf Andersson used this move order so frequently that some databases label 3…Bg7 the “Andersson Variation.”
• In correspondence chess, the Modern Neo-Old Indian has an excellent practical record—many White players aim for heavy theoretical positions that never arise.

Related Openings

• King’s Indian Defence (…g6, …Bg7, …d6).
• Old Indian Defence (…e5 on move 3).
• Benoni Defence (…c5 break); Grünfeld Defence (…d5 instead of …d6).

Summary

The Neo-Old Indian: Modern, 3.Nc3 Bg7 is a flexible, strategically rich answer to 1.d4 that blends the solidity of the Old Indian with the dynamic potential of the King’s Indian. By keeping options open for …e5 or …c5, Black can steer the game into positional or tactical waters as desired, making the line a valuable weapon for players who appreciate manoeuvring battles and transpositional subtleties.