Queens Indian Defense: Kasparov, Petrosian, Murey Variations
Queen’s Indian Defense
Definition & Move-Order
The Queen’s Indian Defense (QID) is a hypermodern response to 1.d4 that begins:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6
Black delays …d5, instead fianchettoing the queen’s bishop to put long-range pressure on the central light squares, especially e4. The opening is coded ECO A45–A48 and is one of the most reliable weapons against the Queen’s Pawn games.
Strategic Themes
- Control of e4: …Bb7, …Bb4+, and …Ne4 often combine to restrain White’s central expansion.
- Dark-square grip: Black tries to trade the light-squared bishop (…Ba6 or …Bb4+) to leave White with weaknesses on the dark squares.
- Flexible pawn structure: Black can choose …c5, …d5, or even …e5 depending on how White sets up.
- Piece activity before pawn occupation: The QID embodies hypermodern ideas: occupy the center later, first attack it from a distance.
Typical Continuations
- Fianchetto Main Line: 4.g3 Ba6 5.b3 (see Murey Variation below).
- Classical Line: 4.Nc3 Bb7 5.a3 (entering the Petrosian systems).
- Exchange Plans: 4.e3 Bb7 5.Bd3 d5 leading to Queen’s-Gambit-style structures.
Historical Significance
The QID was popularized by Nimzowitsch in the 1920s but became truly mainstream after the 1950s when players such as Petrosian and Karpov adopted it. Garry Kasparov used both sides of the opening in multiple World- Championship matches, further enriching its theory.
Illustrative Mini-Game
After the thematic …Bxd2+ trade, Black enjoys harmonious development and a solid dark-square complex.
Interesting Facts
- The earliest recorded QID game is Pillsbury–Steinitz, St. Petersburg 1895, though it was not yet recognized as a distinct opening.
- Many engines rate the QID as ≈0.00 in main lines—even at high depth—making it a favorite at top level when players want a “playable equal” position.
- The opening has generated a family of named sub-variations (Petrosian, Kasparov, Murey, etc.), some of which follow below.
Petrosian Variation (4.a3)
Definition & Move-Order
Named after World Champion Tigran Petrosian, the Petrosian Variation arises after:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3
With 4.a3 White prevents …Bb4+, keeps the knight free to go to c3, and hints at expanding with e4 later.
Strategic Ideas for White
- No annoying check: By stopping …Bb4+, development becomes smoother.
- Space on the queenside: a3–b4 clamping down on …c5.
- Flexible center: White can play e3 or e4 depending on Black’s setup.
Plans for Black
- Counter-bishop: …Ba6 aims to exchange light bishops and undermine c4.
- Central strike: …d5 is often timed to equalize space.
- Pawn breaks: …c5 or …e5 remain in reserve, especially once the c-file opens.
Famous Example
Anatoly Karpov – Garry Kasparov, Moscow WCh 1985, Game 16
Kasparov neutralized Petrosian’s system with precise maneuvering and went on
to win both the game and eventually the title. That encounter popularized
the idea of delaying …d5 and playing …c5 first.
Interesting Facts
- Petrosian originally introduced 4.a3 in the 1950s to avoid theory and play positional chess; decades later, computers rate the line as fully sound.
- Because Kasparov became its most famous later exponent, some authors label advanced sub-lines as the Kasparov–Petrosian System.
Kasparov Variation (7.Bg5 within the Petrosian)
Definition & Move-Order
The Kasparov Variation is a sharp branch of the Petrosian system. The usual move-order is:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3 Ba6 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 exd5 7.Bg5
By pinning the f6-knight, White increases the pressure on d5 and threatens e4. Garry Kasparov employed this idea successfully in the mid-1980s, prompting theoreticians to name the line after him.
Key Concepts
- Immediate tension: 7.Bg5 challenges Black’s typical …c5 break because the d5-pawn may become loose.
- Dynamic imbalance: White accepts doubled f-pawns (after …h6 8.Bxf6) to seize the initiative; alternatively, White can retreat the bishop to h4 to keep up the pin.
- Piece activity over structure: Mirrors Kasparov’s playing style—willing to spoil his own pawn structure if it produces active pieces.
Sample Continuation
White has pressure on d5 and along the a2–g8 diagonal; Black relies on the solid pair of bishops and balanced pawn structure.
Historical & Anecdotal Notes
- Kasparov first unveiled 7.Bg5 against Karpov in the Moscow Interzonal Play-off, 1983, scoring a crucial win that helped him qualify for the Candidates.
- In the 1997 Kasparov vs. Deep Blue match, the computer avoided this exact pin, demonstrating how far-reaching Kasparov’s theoretical influence had become.
Murey Variation (5.b3 against …Ba6)
Definition & Move-Order
The Murey (or Muréy) Variation is a solid, resourceful way for White to meet …Ba6 in the Queen’s Indian. It enters after:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6 5.b3
Israeli GM Yitzhak Muréy popularized the line in the 1970s. The idea is simple yet deep: reinforce the c4-pawn with b3, keep the light- squared bishop on g2, and postpone Nc3 so that Black’s bishop on a6 has nothing juicy to bite.
Strategic Features
- Extra solidity: The pawn on b3 seals the a6–f1 diagonal, muting Black’s bishop.
- Slow-burn game: White plans Bb2, Nbd2, Rc1, and e4 only when fully prepared.
- Black’s dilemma: Without the bishop trade, Black must find counterplay with …d5 or …c5, often conceding minor weaknesses.
Theory Snapshot
- 5…Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Be7 – Reducing tension; Black hopes for …d5 later.
- 5…c5 6.d5 exd5 7.cxd5 – Leads to an IQP position with mutual chances.
- 5…b5!? – A rare gambit-like try for queenside space; practically untested at top level.
Illustrative Line
Both sides have developed harmoniously; White’s bishops point at the center, Black owns a healthy structure but still needs to justify the a6-bishop.
Interesting Tidbits
- Because it avoids sharp theory, the Murey Variation is a favorite among club players and grandmasters who want to “just play chess.” GM Michael Adams and GM Peter Svidler have used it as a surprise weapon.
- The move 5.b3 was analyzed deeply by computer pioneer Ken Thompson in the early Belle engine days, making it one of the first openings to receive serious computer treatment.