Openings

Openings

Old Indian Defense

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6

The Old Indian was the original version of the King's Indian. Unlike the classical defenses to 1.d4, Black does not block the d-pawn, but instead prepares ...e5, attacking that pawn. Compared to the King's Indian, Black does not fianchetto the king's bishop in the Old Indian, preferring instead ...Be7.

Pros:

  • More solid than the King's Indian
  • The bishop on e7 keeps d6 well guarded
  • Attacks d4 earlier, thus precluding the Saemisch and other variations

Cons:

  • More passive than the King's Indian
  • The king's bishop is usually less active
  • Less flexible than the King's Indian
Lesson

Learn The Old Indian Defense

Learn the main lines and key ideas for both sides in the Old Indian Defense.
21 min
10 Challenges
Top Players