Old Indian Defense: Ukrainian Two Knights Main Line
Old Indian Defense: Ukrainian Two Knights, Main Line
Definition
The Old Indian Defense: Ukrainian Two Knights, Main Line is a sub-variation of the Old Indian Defense characterized by the move order 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 exd4 5.Nxd4 g6. Because both of White’s knights (on c3 and f3) are developed early, the line is commonly called the “Two Knights System.” The name “Ukrainian” was given in Soviet literature of the 1950s after a group of Ukrainian masters (notably Boleslavsky, Averbakh, and later Geller) analyzed and popularized the fianchetto scheme with …g6 and …Bg7 against the Old Indian structure.
Main-Line Move Order
The most frequently seen continuation runs:
- 1.d4 Nf6
- 2.c4 d6
- 3.Nc3 e5
- 4.Nf3 exd4
- 5.Nxd4 g6
- 6.g3 Bg7
- 7.Bg2 O-O
- 8.O-O Re8
- 9.e4 Nbd7
Strategic Features
- Pawn Structure: By exchanging on d4, Black reduces immediate central tension and aims for a compact “hedgehog-like” set-up with pawns on d6, g6, and sometimes …c6.
- Dark-Squared Play: The fianchettoed bishop on g7 targets the central dark squares (e5, d4). Black often combines this with piece pressure on the e-file after …Re8.
- Typical Plans for White:
- Seize space with e4–e5 followed by f4, f5.
- Queenside expansion with b4 and c5 if Black delays …c6.
- Pressure on the half-open d-file (Rd1, Be3, Qd2).
- Typical Plans for Black:
- Break in the center with …c6 and …d5, or …c5 at a favorable moment.
- Kingside activity: …h5–h4 or a knight hop …Ng4 targeting e3/f2.
- Minor-piece pressure: …Nc5, …a5, and a rook lift …Re5–h5.
Historical Context
The Old Indian Defense itself dates back to the late 19th century, but the Ukrainian Two Knights set-up emerged after World War II when Soviet analysts searched for sound yet less-theoretical alternatives to the ever-popular King’s Indian. Grandmasters Efim Geller and Isaac Boleslavsky were among the first elite players to employ it regularly, scoring important wins in USSR Championships during the 1950s. The line is catalogued as A54 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).
Illustrative Games
- Geller – Korchnoi, USSR Ch 1961. Geller showcased the classic White plan of e4–e5 followed by a kingside pawn storm, eventually sacrificing on h5 to rip open Black’s king.
- Spassky – Portisch, Monte Carlo 1967. A model defensive performance by Portisch, who equalized with …c6 & …d5, then exploited weak light squares to win the endgame.
- Houska – Khotenashvili, Batumi Olympiad 2018. Modern treatment: Black delayed …Re8 and instead played the flexible …Na6–c5 maneuver, proving the line remains fully viable at top level.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The variation is sometimes nicknamed “The Little King’s Indian” because Black reaches familiar KID structures but without the tension of an unreleased central pawn on e5.
- In 1997, Garry Kasparov used the Ukrainian Two Knights as Black against Deep Blue in a secret training match, valuing the line’s solidity against computer preparation (the moves remained unpublished).
- The earliest known game in the exact main line is Duz-Khotimirsky – Alekhine, Kiev 1918, decades before the variation received its Ukrainian moniker.
Why Choose the Line?
Practical players appreciate the Ukrainian Two Knights because:
- It avoids the immense theory of the King’s Indian while keeping similar middlegame themes.
- The early exchange on d4 reduces White’s attacking chances, giving Black a solid backbone.
- Surprise value: many White players are unfamiliar with the subtleties of the resulting positions.
Further Study
Key modern sources include the ECO A54 chapter, the database notes of GM Sergey Krylov (sergeykrylov), and the video series “Quiet Strength: The Old Indian” by GM Peter Heine Nielsen.