Queen's Indian: Old Main Line, 9.Qxc3 Be4

Queen's Indian: Old Main Line, 9.Qxc3 Be4

Definition

The phrase “Queen’s Indian: Old Main Line, 9.Qxc3 Be4” refers to a specific branch of the Queen’s Indian Defence (ECO codes E15–E19). The variation arises after the moves

where Black’s 9…Be4 immediately posts the bishop on an active central square, simultaneously attacking the c2–queen and eyeing the long diagonal to h1. This position is the cornerstone of what classical theory dubs the “Old Main Line” of the Queen’s Indian.

Typical Move-Order

The most common route is:

1. 1. d4 Nf6
2. 2. c4 e6
3. 3. Nf3 b6 (Queen’s Indian Defence)
4. 4. g3 Bb7
5. 5. Bg2 Be7
6. 6. O-O O-O
7. 7. Nc3 Ne4 (Black starts the time-honoured knight expedition)
8. 8. Qc2 Nxc3
9. 9. Qxc3 Be4 (the hallmark move of the Old Main Line)

Strategic Ideas

• Black’s plan
  • Trade the g7–bishop (“good bishop”) for the c3–knight, then place the bishop on e4 to blockade White’s central break d4-d5.
  • Follow up with …c7-c5 or …f7-f5, putting pressure on d4 and limiting the g2-bishop.
  • Maintain a rock-solid pawn structure; minor-piece maneuvers often matter more than pawn storms.
• White’s plan
  • Exploit the two bishops after Black has given up the dark-squared bishop for the knight.
  • Prepare the thematic central break d4-d5, or play for e2-e4 followed by Rd1 to seize the d-file.
  • Use minority attacks with b2-b4-b5 on the queenside when Black locks the center.

Historical Significance

This line was a main battlefield throughout the 1960s–80s. World Champions such as Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov tested the position from both sides. Its strategic clarity—opposite-colored bishops appearing early, fixed pawn structures, and subtle maneuvering—made it a favorite in high-level classical matches before the more tactical 4.a3 or 5.Nc3 systems gained popularity.

Illustrative Game

Karpov vs. Kasparov, World Championship (Game 16), Moscow 1985

The game demonstrates the typical “cat-and-mouse” maneuvering: Black’s dark-squared bishop and knight dance while White tries to leverage the bishop pair. Neither side could manufacture a decisive break, and a draw was agreed after extensive piece shuffling—showcasing both the solidity and the subtle tension of the 9.Qxc3 Be4 line.

Modern Status

With computer preparation the Old Main Line is still considered fully playable, though many grandmasters now prefer the Petrosian variation (4.a3) or the ultra-modern 5.Nc3 systems to create sharper positions. Engines evaluate the line as roughly equal (≈0.20 in many top engines), meaning that precise play from both sides is essential to fight for an advantage.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The move …Be4 was popularised by José Raúl Capablanca in the 1920s, but the line only acquired “Old Main Line” status when theory shifted toward faster …Bb4+ ideas in the 1990s.
• Viswanathan Anand famously blitzed out 20 moves of home analysis in this variation against Levon Aronian at Wijk aan Zee 2011, using prep from his second Rustam Kasimdzhanov.
• In correspondence chess the line has been held for Black up to move 35 in multiple ICCF grandmaster games, proving its durability even against engine-assisted analysis.