Queen’s Pawn: Neo-Indian

Queen’s Pawn: Neo-Indian

Definition

The Neo-Indian Defence—more commonly called the Queen’s Indian Defence today—arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6. It belongs to the family of “Indian” openings that start with …Nf6 and are aimed at controlling the center with pieces rather than early pawns. The term “Neo-Indian” was popular in the first half of the 20th century, before “Queen’s Indian” became standard; many databases and opening lists therefore categorise it under the heading “Queen’s Pawn: Neo-Indian.”

Typical Move Order & Key Ideas

The main line continues 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 Be7 (or 6…a5, 6…Bxd2+). A few characteristic themes:

• Fianchetto Logic: Black’s …b6 and …Bb7 create a long-range piece that influences e4 and d5, discouraging an immediate pawn advance in the center.
• Flexible Center: Unlike the Nimzo-Indian, Black delays …Bb4, so the c-pawn can remain free for …c5 later. Black chooses between …d5 or …c5 depending on White’s setup.
• Light-Squared Strategy: Because White often fianchettoes with g3 and Bg2, the light-squared bishops lock horns on the long diagonal. Exchanges on d2 or a6 (…Ba6 lines) can unbalance the position.
• Anti-Nimzo Weapon: By playing 3. Nf3 instead of 3. Nc3, White sidesteps the Nimzo-Indian pin …Bb4, forcing Black to choose the Bogo-Indian (…Bb4+) or the Neo-/Queen’s Indian (…b6).

Strategic & Historical Significance

The Neo-Indian became a mainstay of elite practice in the 1920s and 1930s, largely through the efforts of José Raúl Capablanca and Aron Nimzowitsch. In the post-war era it was a favorite of Soviet grandmasters such as Tigran Petrosian, who valued its solidity and latent dynamism. Today it remains one of the most trustworthy replies to 1. d4 and features prominently in world-championship match preparation: Garry Kasparov, Viswanathan Anand, and Magnus Carlsen have all relied on it.

Illustrative Example

Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Ba6 5. b3 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 Be7

• Black exchanged the light-squared bishop to remove White’s key fianchettoed defender.
• The resulting structures give Black pressure on the c- and d-files, while White often aims for e4 breaks.

Famous Games

1. Petrosian – Spassky, World Championship (1969), Game 4
   Petrosian’s subtle maneuvering with 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Be7 led to an instructive queenside minority attack.
2. Kasparov – Karpov, Linares (1993)
   Kasparov uncorked the aggressive 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 a5, sacrificing a pawn for long-term pressure.
3. Anand – Carlsen, Candidates (2014)
   A modern treatment where Carlsen equalised effortlessly with 6…d5 followed by …c5, showcasing the opening’s resilience.

Theory Table (Main Choices After 4.g3)

• 4…Ba6 (Most dynamic)
  5. b3 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 Be7 (Petrosian line)  |  6…Be7  |  6…Be7
• 4…Bb7 (Flexible, “Classical” system)
  5. Bg2 Be7 6. Nc3 O-O 7. O-O d5
• 4…Bb4+ (Bogo-Indian transposition)
  5. Bd2 a5 6. Nc3 O-O

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The original name “Neo-Indian” (“New Indian”) signified that it was a new way of meeting 1. d4 without committing the bishop to b4, differentiating it from the older Nimzo-Indian (1910s) and King’s Indian (1920s).
• Capablanca used the line with Black against Alekhine as early as 1913—well before it became fashionable—illustrating his taste for prophylactic setups.
• Computer engines rate many Neo-Indian positions as “quietly equal,” yet practical results at grandmaster level often favour Black due to the ease of play and clear plans.
• In the ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings), the Neo-/Queen’s Indian occupies codes A45 (rare sidelines) and E12–E19 for the main lines.

When to Choose the Neo-Indian

Players who enjoy:

• Solid, strategic positions with limited early tactical skirmishes.
• Piece play over pawn storms, aiming for long-term pressure.
• Flexibility—deciding between …d5 and …c5 based on White’s setup.

…will find the Neo-Indian Defence an excellent addition to their 1…Nf6 repertoire.