Old Indian Defense · A54
Two Knights Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 e5 4. Nf3
The pawns on d4 and e5 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure.
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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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.