Queen's Indian: Petrosian, 4...Bb7
Queen's Indian: Petrosian, 4...Bb7
Definition
The line arises from the Queen's Indian Defense after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7. White’s fourth move (4. a3) is the Petrosian Variation, named after World Champion Tigran Petrosian, who employed the pawn thrust to prevent Black’s light-squared bishop from pinning the knight on c3 with ...Bb4+. Black’s reply 4…Bb7 accepts the challenge, placing the bishop on the long diagonal anyway, and prepares flexible counterplay in the center.
Typical Move Order
A main branch continues:
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 e6
- 3. Nf3 b6
- 4. a3 Bb7
- 5. Nc3 d5 (or 5…Be7 / 5…g6)
The early 4. a3 keeps Black’s bishop off b4, so Black develops to b7 and decides later whether to strike in the centre with …d5 or …c5, fianchetto the dark-squared bishop with …g6, or maintain a more restrained set-up.
Strategic Ideas
Both sides have clear strategic goals:
- White
- Gains space on the queenside with a3–b4.
- Supports a central pawn duo (e2–e4 and d4) once the c-pawn has moved or been exchanged.
- Often aims for Bg5, e3, Rc1 followed by cxd5 and Ne5, exploiting the dark-squared bishop’s limited influence after the e-pawn advances.
- Black
- Uses the b7-bishop to pressure e4 and the long diagonal.
- Chooses between …d5 (classical Queen’s Gambit–style) and …c5 (Benoni-like structures) depending on White’s set-up.
- Maintains harmony: the knight often comes to e4, the queen to f6 or e7, and rooks to c8/d8.
Historical Significance
Tigran Petrosian popularised 4. a3 in the mid-1960s to avoid the irritating pin 4…Bb4+. The variation became a staple of his world-championship repertoire, yielding reliable solidity. Black’s principal answer—4…Bb7—has been trusted by top players from Karpov and Gelfand to modern specialists like Anish Giri, indicating the line’s enduring soundness.
Famous Games & Illustrative Examples
A classic illustration is Petrosian – Spassky, Candidates 1966 (Game 7), where the former champion showcased the latent queenside expansion b2-b4 and a central break e2-e4 to secure a positional edge. Another modern reference game is Carlsen – Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2011, featuring the nimble regrouping 7. Bg5 h6 8. Bxf6 Qxf6 9. cxd5 exd5 10. e3, after which White exploited the central space but Giri’s accurate defense highlighted Black’s resources.
For a quick visual, study the miniature below. Black equalises smoothly by hitting the centre at the right moment:
Typical Plans for Both Sides
- White Plans
- b2-b4 gaining space.
- cxd5 followed by e2-e4, seizing the centre.
- Minor-piece pressure: Bg5, Rc1 and Nb5 target c7 and d6.
- Black Plans
- …d5 break to occupy dark squares.
- …c5 transforming into a dynamic Benoni structure.
- Piece pressure: …Nbd7–e4 hitting c3 and f2.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Tigran Petrosian introduced 4. a3 not only to stop …Bb4+ but also because he disliked any pins on his knights; he famously quipped, “Pinned pieces are unhappy pieces.”
- Anatoly Karpov’s early adoption of 4…Bb7 in the 1970s reinforced the line’s reputation for strategic soundness—he scored 80% with Black during his 1974 Candidates matches.
- Because the bishop goes to b7 anyway, some commentators jokingly call the variation “Petrosian’s futility”—yet statistics show White still scores slightly above 50%.
Conclusion
The Queen’s Indian: Petrosian, 4…Bb7 is a balanced battleground that appeals to players who enjoy rich, manoeuvring struggles. White’s early a3 limits Black’s immediate activity, but Black’s calm bishop development keeps the position fluid and grants multiple pawn-break options. Its deep strategic roots and frequent appearance at the highest level make it essential study for Queen’s Indian practitioners on both sides of the board.