Bogo-Indian Defense · E11
Retreat Variation, after 3. Nf3, through 10. Nbd2
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. g3 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 Be7 6. Bg2 O-O 7. O-O c6 8. Qc2 Nbd7 9. Bf4 b6 10. Nbd2
White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
- 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn.
- 2... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5.
Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 15 more moves in this line, 19 in all.
Where this fits
This line is one of 21 in the Bogo-Indian Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.
