ECO code: A41
Neo-Old Indian: Modern, 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.Nf3
Moves: 1. d4 d6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3
This opening is a flexible and somewhat modest setup for Black, combining ideas from the Modern Defense and Old Indian Defense. Black fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop with ...g6 and ...Bg7, preparing to control the long diagonal and maintain a solid but dynamic pawn structure.
Characteristic: The Neo-Old Indian setup is characterized by Black's early ...d6 and ...g6, aiming for a hypermodern control of the center rather than immediate occupation. White develops naturally with Nc3 and Nf3, supporting central pawns and preparing to establish a strong foothold.
Nature of Play: For White, this setup encourages a more attacking and central control approach, as White aims to occupy the center with pawns on d4 and c4 supported by pieces. Black's setup is more defensive and counterattacking, focusing on undermining White's center later with moves like ...e5 or ...c5.
Center Control: White directly challenges and occupies the center early, while Black delays central occupation, opting instead for a hypermodern strategy that targets White's center from a distance.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Neo-Old Indian: Modern, 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.Nf3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 11 - Move #7 white