Queen's Pawn: 2.Nf3 Bg4

Queen's Pawn: 2.Nf3 Bg4

Definition

The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 Bg4 is a sideline of the Queen’s Pawn Game in which Black immediately pins the knight on f3 with the dark-squared bishop. In the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings it is usually filed under the A46 code and is sometimes referred to as the Indian System, Pseudo-Trompowsky, or simply “2…Bg4 variation.” Unlike the more common 2…d5 or 2…e6, Black’s bishop move aims to put early pressure on the e4-square and tempt White into structural or tempo concessions.

How the Line Is Used

• Surprise Weapon: Because it is less common than classical set-ups, it often appears in rapid or blitz games as a practical surprise.
• Flexible Transposition Tool: Depending on White’s reply, play can transpose to Torre Attack structures (after 3.Bg5), King’s Indian or Benoni setups (after …g6), or even Queen’s Indian-style positions (after …e6 and …b6).
• Imbalance Seeker: Black avoids symmetrical d5 systems and steers the game toward positions where piece play and middlegame tactics come to the fore.

Strategic Themes

For both sides, the early pin establishes a handful of characteristic ideas:

1. Control of e4: By pinning the knight, Black makes it harder for White to play the natural c2–c4 followed by Nc3 and e2–e4.
2. Questioning the Bishop: White may challenge the pin with 3.h3, leading to a bishop-for-knight exchange and structural concession (doubled g-pawns after 3…Bxf3) or a retreat such as 3…Bh5.
3. Central Tension: Moves like 3.c4 or 3.e3 keep the center fluid. After 3.c4 e6, transpositions to Catalan or Queen’s Indian themes are common.
4. Early Tactical Shots: In some lines White plays 3.Ne5!?, imitating the Trompowsky, eyeing the bishop pair and potential tricks on g4 and f7.

Typical Continuations

Common branching points after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 Bg4 include:

• 3.c4 – Classical: White grabs central space. Black can reply 3…e6, 3…c5, or 3…Bxf3.
• 3.h3 – The immediate challenge. Play might continue 3…Bxf3 4.exf3, giving White the bishop pair but a damaged kingside structure.
• 3.Ne5 – “Annoying Knight” line: 3…Bh5 4.c4 d6 transposes to certain Benoni-type positions.
• 3.Bg5 – Torre-style. Both bishops are now developed aggressively, leading to rich middlegame play.

Historical Notes & Famous Games

Although overshadowed by mainstream Queen’s Indian and King’s Indian set-ups, this variation has surfaced sporadically at top level:

• Anatoly Karpov – Predrag Nikolić, Manila Interzonal 1990: Karpov employed 3.c4, slowly squeezed on the queenside, and converted a small space advantage in a technical endgame.
• Magnus Carlsen – Pentala Harikrishna, Biel 2005 (Rapid): Carlsen chose 3.h3, accepted doubled g-pawns, and demonstrated the latent strength of the bishop pair en route to a powerful kingside attack.
• Judith Polgár – Peter Leko, Hungarian Ch. 1999: Illustrates the sharp 3.Ne5 line with dynamic piece play and mutual chances.

Illustrative Mini-Game

Shortest model showing the strategic core:

In just 12 moves both sides have trampled theoretical paths and reached a wildly unbalanced position, typical of the “Pseudo-Trompowsky” spirit.

Interesting Facts

• The move 2…Bg4 echoes the Nimzo-Indian concept of pinning a knight to fight for e4, but here it is done one move faster because White’s knight has already committed to f3.
• Because White has not yet developed the c1-bishop, exchanging on f3 often leaves White’s king slightly airy; yet the bishop pair can become a long-term asset, making 3.h3 practically double-edged.
• Computer engines rate the position after 2…Bg4 as roughly equal, but human tournament practice shows a higher scoring percentage for Black than in the symmetrical 2…d5 lines.
• Some databases label this system “Levitsky Variation,” but that is historically inaccurate— Stepan Levitsky’s famous contribution was 2.Bg5, not 2.Nf3 Bg4.

When to Choose This Line

Play 2…Bg4 if you are a Black player who:

• Wants to sidestep mainstream Queen’s Gambit structures.
• Enjoys piece play and is comfortable with offbeat, less-charted territory.
• Is ready to face both quiet build-ups and razor-sharp tactical replies like 3.Ne5 or 3.h3.

For White, answering 2…Bg4 accurately can be an excellent practical test of flexibility and an early lesson in handling pawn-structure compromises.