Queen's Indian Defense · E17

Classical Variation, Taimanov Gambit

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Be7 6. O-O O-O 7. d5 exd5 8. Nd4

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as White's avenue and the e-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade. White's kingside 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. 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.

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