Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, 3...b6
Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, 3...b6
Definition
The Neo-Indian Defence is a Queen’s Pawn opening that arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 (ECO codes E59–E59). The key characteristic is Black’s immediate ...b6 on move three, preparing to fianchetto the queen’s bishop to b7 and challenge the long diagonal. Unlike the Nimzo-Indian (3.Nc3 Bb4) or Bogo-Indian (3.Nf3 Bb4+), the Neo-Indian first develops the bishop to b7, retaining flexibility about whether and when to post the bishop on b4.
Typical Move-Order
The canonical sequence is:
- 1.d4 Nf6
- 2.c4 e6
- 3.Nf3 b6
White now chooses between several main replies:
- 4.Nc3 – classical development; Black replies 4…Bb4 (Keres Variation) or 4…Bb7.
- 4.g3 – Catalan-style; Black can strike with 4…Ba6, trying to hamper White’s fianchetto.
- 4.e3 – modest but solid; often transposes to Queen’s Indian–type structures.
- 4.Bg5 or 4.Bf4 – putting early pressure on the e-file and c7.
Strategic Themes
- The b7-bishop: Black’s game centres on activating the fianchettoed bishop toward e4, d5, or c4. If it becomes blocked by e4 or d5 pawns, Black’s position can feel cramped.
- Flexible centre: Black often keeps the d-pawn mobile, delaying ...d5 or ...d6 until White’s plan becomes clear.
- Piece play over space: As in many Indian defences, Black concedes spatial advantage in exchange for dynamic counterplay and piece activity.
- Delayed ...Bb4: Playing ...Bb4 later (after Nc3) pins the knight without committing earlier, which may confuse opponents preparing for standard Nimzo-Indian lines.
- Pawn breaks: The thematic breaks are ...c5 and/or ...d5. Occasionally ...e5 is employed if circumstances allow.
Historical Background
The term “Neo-Indian” appeared in the 1920s and 30s when players sought alternatives to the rapidly popular Nimzo-Indian. Akiba Rubinstein experimented with the opening, but it was Paul Keres who used the line extensively in the 1940s, giving rise to the sub-name “Keres Variation” for 4.Nc3 Bb4. Later adopters included Tigran Petrosian, Viktor Korchnoi, and Boris Gelfand. In modern elite events the Neo-Indian is rarer than the Queen’s Indian because it arrives via a different move order, but it remains an effective surprise weapon.
Illustrative Game
Petrosian vs. Korchnoi, Soviet Championship 1961
[[Pgn| 1.d4|Nf6|2.c4|e6|3.Nf3|b6|4.Nc3|Bb4|5.Bg5|h6|6.Bh4|g5|7.Bg3|Ne4|8.Qc2|Bb7|9.e3|d6|10.Bd3|f5|11.d5|Qf6|12.DNd4|Bxg3|13.hxg3|Nxc3|14.Qxc3|exd5|15.cxd5|Qxc3+|16.bxc3|Bxd5|17.Nxg5|Nd7|18.Bxf5|Ke7|19.Bxd7|hxg5|20.Rxh8|Rxh8|21.Bg4|Rh1+|22.Ke2|Rxa1|23.e4|Bxe4|24.Bd7|Bxg2|25.f4|▪ 0-1 |arrows|c4d5,d1d4|squares|e4,d5]]Korchnoi demonstrates the typical …Bb4 pin and queenside pressure culminating in an exchange sacrifice for dominating dark squares.
Plans for White
- Seize central space: Leveraging the extra tempi to build a pawn centre with e4 or d5.
- Target the b7-bishop: Forcing it to exchange can leave Black with a passive light-squared bishop on c8.
- Catalan approach (g3): Contest the long diagonal immediately; after 4.g3 Ba6, 5.b3 keeps the bishop off c4.
Plans for Black
- Early ...Ba6: In the g3 lines, Black disrupts White’s queenside coordination.
- Pin with ...Bb4: Creates tactical pressure, often provoking weaknesses such as a doubled c-pawn after Bxc3.
- Break with ...c5: Counter-attacks the centre; sometimes supported by …d6 and …Nbd7.
Examples of Key Variations
- Keres Variation: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Qc2 Bb7 – Black maintains pressure and avoids blocking the fianchetto bishop.
- Catalan Counter: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6 5.b3 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Be7 – Black tries to exchange off White’s powerful g2-bishop.
- Exchange Centre: If White plays e4 early (e.g., 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.Qc2 Bb7 6.a3 Bxe4 7.Qxe4 Nxe4), a sharp struggle for the centre ensues.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because 3…b6 avoids an immediate pin, some Nimzo-Indian specialists have it in their repertoire to dodge Anti-Nimzo lines like 4.Qc2.
- In his youth, Garry Kasparov occasionally used the Neo-Indian as Black in training games before settling on the Queen’s Indian as his main weapon.
- Modern engines evaluate the starting position after 3…b6 as roughly equal (≈0.10), but practical results at master level favour White by only a slim margin, testifying to the line’s resilience.
- The Neo-Indian shares DNA with the Queen’s Indian; indeed, if White plays Nc3 after Black has already committed to ...b6, transpositions are frequent.