Old Indian: 3.Nc3 Nbd7 4.e4 e5 5.Nge2
Old Indian: 3.Nc3 Nbd7 4.e4 e5 5.Nge2
Definition
The sequence 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 Nbd7 4. e4 e5 5. Nge2 belongs to the Old Indian Defence. After the initial symmetrical moves, Black develops the knight to d7 instead of f6–g8–g6 (as in the King’s Indian). White’s fifth move, Nge2, is a sideline that keeps the f-pawn free to advance and avoids some of the heavy theory attached to the standard 5. Nf3 main line.
Move-order recap
- Position after 5.Nge2: both sides have completed their first-phase development of knights and central pawns; the kings’ bishops remain undeveloped and the centre is tension-filled.
Typical strategic ideas
- For White
- Play f2–f3 and Be3 or Bg5, supporting a later g2–g4 or f3-f4 break.
- Keep the option of queenside expansion with b2–b4, a2–a4 if Black castles short and neglects the flank.
- Maintain central space; only exchange on e5 or d4 when it clearly benefits the minor pieces’ activity.
- For Black
- Strike at the centre with …exd4 followed by …g6 or …c6, reaching Philidor- or King’s-Indian-type structures.
- Re-route the d7-knight via c5 or f8 (after …g6) to pressure White’s central pawns.
- Prepare the thematic pawn break …f7–f5, often after …Be7, …O-O, and …Re8.
Common pawn structures
- Closed centre (d4/e4 vs. d6/e5): both sides manoeuvre behind the pawn chain; pieces are re-routed for kingside/queenside pawn storms.
- Philidor Exchange after 5…exd4 6.Nxd4 g6: Black’s d6-pawn becomes backward but solid, mirroring many Modern Philidor positions.
Historical background
The Old Indian predates its more glamorous cousin, the King’s Indian. Grandmasters such as Tigran Petrosian, Bent Larsen, and Anthony Miles kept it alive when the King’s Indian dominated the 1960-90s. The particular 5.Nge2 line was employed by positional players who preferred to sidestep heavy theoretical debates yet still fight for an opening edge. Modern exponents include Peter Svidler and Michael Adams, who have used it as an occasional surprise weapon.
Illustrative miniature
D. Navara – A. Shirov, Biel 2006 (rapid)
[[Pgn| d4|Nf6|c4|d6|Nc3|Nbd7|e4|e5|Nge2|g6|Bg5|Bg7|Qd2|h6|Bh4|exd4| Nxd4|Nxe4|Bxd8|Nxd2|Bxc7|Nxf1|Bxd6|Bxd4|Nb5|Bb6|c5|Nxc5| cxb6|axb6|Rxa1|+|]]Navara showcased the latent tactical possibilities in the position: undeveloped pieces and the tension in the centre can explode if one side violates basic opening principles.
Pros & cons
- Pros for White
- Avoids well-analysed 5.Nf3 lines.
- Keeps options for f2–f4, g2–g4 or queenside play.
- Cons for White
- The knight may be slightly misplaced on e2 in some structures.
- If Black breaks quickly with …exd4 and …c5, White’s centre can turn into a target.
Interesting facts & anecdotes
- In the pre-computer era, some theoreticians labelled 3…Nbd7 the “Russian System” because several Soviet masters, notably Igor Bondarevsky, defended it fiercely in the 1940s.
- The move 5.Nge2 was jokingly called “the hide-and-seek knight” in old Yugoslav magazines: it leaves f3 free, only to return to g3 or f4 later.
- During the 1971 Candidates match Korchnoi–Petrosian, seconds analysed this very line for weeks, yet it never appeared on the board because Petrosian switched to the French Defence at the last minute.
When to choose this variation
Play 5.Nge2 if you enjoy:
- Flexible pawn structures without tons of forced theory.
- Out-of-book middlegames where understanding trumps memorisation.
- The possibility to steer the game into Philidor-, King’s Indian-, or Benoni-like positions depending on Black’s replies.
Further study suggestions
- Review Petrosian’s Old Indian games, especially those from the 1966 World Championship cycle.
- Analyse recent rapid games by Svidler and Giri to see modern treatment of 5.Nge2 setups.
- Practise typical manoeuvres (Nd5, f2–f4, Be2–g4) against a chess engine set to modest strength to internalise the plans.