Queen's Indian Defense, with e3 · E14

Main line, after 1. Nf3, through 9. Bd3, line 13

1. Nf3 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. Nc3 Be7 5. d4 O-O 6. b3 b6 7. cxd5 exd5 8. Bb2 Bb7 9. Bd3

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as White's avenue and the e-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. White's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal and Black's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal. ...b6 and ...Bb7 control e4 from the flank: a sound, flexible sister of the Nimzo where piece pressure replaces pawn contact.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Zukertort Opening.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. e3 Supports the centre, adding control of d4.
• 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. It also props up the d5 pawn.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 13 more moves in this line, 17 in all.