Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian
Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian
Definition
The term “Queen’s Pawn: Neo-Indian” refers to a family of
defences Black can adopt after the Queen’s-pawn opening 1. d4,
characterised by the move …b6 (fianchettoing the queen’s bishop) after …Nf6 and
…e6. In modern opening literature it is more commonly known as the
Queen’s Indian Defence, but the older name “Neo-Indian” is still
used in some databases and repertoire tables. The core position usually arises by:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6
Typical Move Order & Transpositions
Because the Neo-Indian is highly flexible, it can be reached by several routes:
- Main line: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6
- Via the Nimzo-Indian: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nf3 b6 (transposes if White later plays g3)
- Without c4: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. c4 b6 (a move-order that avoids the Nimzo-Indian)
Strategic Themes
- Hypermodern Control: Black allows White to build a classical pawn centre but plans to undermine it later with moves such as …Bb7, …c5 and …d5.
- Light-Squared Grip: The fianchettoed bishop on b7 exerts long-range pressure on the key squares e4 and d5. A central pawn break by …c5 is almost always on the agenda.
- Flexibility: Because the dark-squared bishop is still at home on c8, Black can decide later whether to place it on b7, a6, e7, or even trade it with …Bb4+ (the Bogo-Indian idea).
- Piece Play vs. Space: White typically enjoys more space in the centre, while Black counts on solid piece placement, harmonious development, and counter-punching chances against over-extended pawns.
Main White Set-ups
- Classical (4. g3): White fianchettoes the king’s bishop, entering Catalan-style structures. Black can reply with …Ba6 to pressure c4.
- Petrosian System (4. e3): A solid line aiming for quick development. Plans include Bd3, 0-0, and often Re1 & e4.
- Fighting Lines (4. Nc3 or 4. Bg5): These moves aim at early pressure on d5 or pinning the knight on f6, driving the game into more tactical channels.
Historical Significance
The adjective “Neo-” (“new”) was coined in the 1920s, when the hypermodern school (Nimzowitsch, Réti, Tartakower) popularised fianchetto systems that challenged classical dogma. Over time the opening became a favourite of many world champions, most notably Tigran Petrosian and Anatoly Karpov, both renowned for their prophylactic style and subtle manoeuvring.
Illustrative Game
Karpov – Kasparov, Linares 1993
The game began 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Ba6, and showcased Black’s
thematic pressure on the c4-pawn. Although Kasparov eventually lost,
the middlegame demonstrated how Black can trade the fianchetto bishop for
dynamic piece play.
Practical Tips for Both Sides
- For White:
- Be ready for the annoying pin …Ba6 against c4; consider preventing it with Qa4+ or Na3.
- Do not rush the e4 break without adequate support; Black’s pieces are ideally placed to strike back.
- For Black:
- Time the …c5 or …d5 break accurately—too early and the centre collapses, too late and White consolidates.
- Keep an eye on the b6-pawn; after a4 and a5 White can try to weaken it.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The name “Queen’s Indian” was first used in the 1930s to distinguish the opening from the related Nimzo-Indian; “Neo-Indian” was the original label preferred by Tartakower.
- In the 1984–85 Karpov-Kasparov World Championship, 14 out of 48 games featured the Neo-Indian/Queen’s Indian, underscoring its status as a dependable main-line defence at the highest level.
- Modern engines rate the opening as one of Black’s soundest replies to 1. d4, with a near-neutral evaluation after best play.
Further Study
Players interested in adding the Neo-Indian to their repertoire should examine the strategic masterpieces of Petrosian and the dynamic handling by Kasparov. A compact but instructive model game collection is “Kasparov on Modern Chess, Part 2: Kasparov vs. Karpov 1975-1985”, which contains extensive annotations on their Queen’s/Neo-Indian battles.