Old Indian Defense · A54
Tartakower-Indian
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nf3 Bg4
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.
Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 2 more moves in this line, 6 in all.
Where this fits
This line is one of 14 in the Old Indian Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.