Old Indian Defense · A53

Main line, after 1... Nf6

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6

In the centre, White holds d4.

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... d6 Supports the centre, adding control of e5. Theory calls this the Old Indian Defense.

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