Queen's Indian: 4.g3 Bb7

Queen’s Indian: 4.g3 Bb7

Definition

The move-sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 constitutes one of the main branches of the Queen’s Indian Defence (ECO codes E12–E14). After White prepares to fianchetto the king’s bishop with 4.g3, Black immediately places the queen’s bishop on the long diagonal with 4…Bb7, aiming at the central squares e4 and d5. The line is commonly called the Fianchetto Variation of the Queen’s Indian, and 4…Bb7 is its most classical reply.

Typical Move Order

A standard tabiya arises after:

Black can also choose flexible setups with …Bb4+, …c5, or …d6, depending on the middlegame plans.

Strategic Ideas

• For Black
  • Pressure on the long diagonal a8–h1, eyeing the e4-square to restrain or punish a future e2–e4 break.
  • Rapid queenside expansion with …c5 or …a5 and occasionally …Bb4+, pinning the knight on c3.
  • Maintaining a solid, flexible pawn structure  (…d7–d5 or …d7–d6) that can transpose to Benoni-type or Hedgehog formations.
• For White
  • Complete the fianchetto with Bg2 and castle quickly to claim a small but persistent space advantage.
  • Occupy the centre with e2–e4 or play for cxd5 followed by Nc3–d5 to exploit the light-square bishop trade.
  • Use the long-term kingside majority (f-, g-, and h-pawns) in endgames if Black exchanges on d4 and c3.

Historical Background & Famous Games

The Queen’s Indian became fashionable in the 1920s, popularised by players such as José Raúl Capablanca and Aron Nimzowitsch, who valued its solid yet dynamic nature. The 4.g3 Bb7 line acquired theoretical depth in the 1950s–70s through the efforts of Tigran Petrosian, who used it both as White and Black. Notable encounters include:

• Petrosian vs. Keres, Zürich 1953 – a textbook demonstration of Black’s dark-square strategy.
• Karpov vs. Kasparov, World Championship 1984 (game 9) – Kasparov’s resilient defence with …Bb7 set the tone for the match.
• Anand vs. Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999 – a sharp pawn-storm showing modern reinterpretations of the structure.

Illustrative Mini-Game

[[Pgn| d4 Nf6|c4 e6|Nf3 b6|g3 Bb7|Bg2 Be7|O-O O-O|Nc3 Ne4|Qc2 Nxc3|Qxc3 c5|Rd1 d6|b3 Bf6|Bb2 Nd7|Qd2 Qe7|dxc5 dxc5|Qxd7 Qxd7|Rxd7 Bxb2 |fen|r4rk1/p1p2ppp/1b1p4/2p5/2P5/1P3NP1/PB3PBP/R2R2K1 w - - 0 17|arrows|c5d4,d7d8|squares|e4 ]]

The fragment highlights a thematic central exchange on d5 followed by piece activity on the light squares.

Interesting Facts

• The line appeals to players who enjoy control before confrontation: Black keeps a sturdy pawn chain but is ready to counterpunch with …c5.
• In computer chess, engines often rate the position around equality, yet practical results at top level show a small edge for the better-prepared side—underscoring the opening’s strategic richness.
• Because both sides fianchetto a bishop, many endgames feature Opposite-Colored Bishop scenarios, heightening drawing chances but also tactical nuances.
• The move 4…Bb7 can transpose into the Bogo-Indian if Black plays …Bb4+ first; thus, players must be ready for hybrid setups.

When to Choose This Line

Pick 4…Bb7 if you:

1. Desire a sound, theory-heavy defence that rarely leads to forced draws.
2. Are comfortable playing against the fianchetto system and enjoy long-term manoeuvring battles.
3. Want the option to diversify with …Bb4+ or …c5 without committing to early structural weaknesses.

Common Pitfalls

• Premature …d5?! without preparation can allow cxd5 exd5 and Nc3–e5, giving White a strong outpost.
• Neglecting kingside safety: after …Bb7 and …Be7, Black must castle in a timely fashion; delaying can be punished by e2–e4 or Ng5 ideas.
• Underestimating the power of the g2-bishop: trading on f3 or d4 at the wrong moment opens deadly diagonals toward b7.

Further Study

Review modern master games by Levon Aronian and Wesley So, who frequently employ 4…Bb7. Databases label the main continuation after 5.Bg2 Be7 as E15; stay updated on nuances like the Kasparov-Petrosian Variation (6…d5) versus the Hedgehog Setup (…c5, …d6).