Old Indian: 3.Nf3 Nbd7
Old Indian: 3.Nf3 Nbd7
Definition
The phrase “Old Indian: 3.Nf3 Nbd7” refers to a specific move-order and branch of the Old Indian Defence that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6 3.Nf3 Nbd7. Black’s third move develops the queen’s knight to d7 instead of the more fashionable 3…g6 of the King’s Indian Defence. This set-up—codified in ECO codes A53–A55—is one of the oldest Indian systems, hence the name “Old Indian.”
Basic Move-Order
The main tabiya can occur through several transpositions, but the most common is:
- 1.d4 Nf6
- 2.c4 d6
- 3.Nf3 Nbd7
From here the strategic crossroads usually involve 4.Nc3 or 4.g3, after which Black often plays …e5, …c6, and sometimes …g6.
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension: By delaying …e5, Black keeps White guessing and may strike in the centre at a moment of his choosing—often after preparatory moves such as …c6 or …c5.
- Solid yet Flexible: The knight on d7 supports …e5 and covers c5. Black’s pieces generally aim for Be7, 0-0, Re8, Bf8, and sometimes …a6 followed by …b5.
- White’s Space Advantage: White usually maintains a spatial edge with 4.Nc3 and 5.e4. Typical plans include Be2, 0-0, Re1, and pushing c5 or dxe5 to open lines.
- Piece Re-routing: Both sides frequently redeploy knights: Nbd2–f1–g3 or Black’s Nb8–a6–c5 (after …c6)
Historical Background
The line was a favourite of Dawid Janowski at the turn of the 20th century, earning the older label “Janowski Indian.” Later it was championed by World Champions Emanuel Lasker and especially Tigran Petrosian, who employed it as a safe yet counter-attacking choice in his 1966 title defence against Boris Spassky. In modern times it serves mainly as a surprise weapon—e.g. Vladimir Kramnik vs. Levon Aronian, Dortmund 2009, and Viswanathan Anand vs. Magnus Carlsen, Wijk aan Zee 2011 (rapid playoff).
Illustrative Mini-Game
Below is a short model showing the typical build-up and pawn breaks.
- Black is ready for …d5 or …exd4 followed by …Re8.
- White can choose 9.Bf1 or 9.a4, keeping an edge in space.
Common Variations
- Classical System: 4.Nc3 e5 5.e4 Be7 6.Be2 O-O (Petrosian’s favourite)
- Keres Variation: 4.g3 e5 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Nc3 (a quieter, fianchetto approach)
- Janowski–Petrosian Hybrid: 4.Nc3 e5 5.e4 Be7 6.Be2 c6 7.O-O O-O 8.Re1 (Black plays …Qc7 and …Re8)
Practical Tips
- Black players should memorise typical manoeuvres rather than long forcing lines; move-ordering traps are scarce but transpositions to the King’s Indian and Philidor are common.
- White should avoid premature central exchanges—keeping tension often promises a lasting initiative.
- Watch the clock: with many piece re-routes, both sides can drift into time trouble if they lack an overall plan.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- When asked why he preferred the Old Indian over the flashier King’s Indian, Petrosian quipped, “I like my kings safe before I attack yours.”
- The variation is occasionally used by computer engines as a “low-theory” sideline to steer opponents away from heavy opening books.
- ECO A54 was the only sub-code in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings to be completely rewritten between the 3rd and 4th editions because modern grandmasters had almost stopped analysing it, forcing editors to add new commentary from scratch.
- Some modern grandmasters transpose into a Pirc-like structure with …g6, effectively blending three different Indian systems from the same opening moves.