ECO code: A46
Indian Defense: 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bg5
This opening arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bg5. White develops the knight to f3, supporting central control and preparing for kingside safety, while Black responds with a flexible setup often leading to Indian Defense structures. The move 3.Bg5 is a characteristic pin against Black's knight on f6, aiming to exert pressure on Black's kingside and potentially disrupt Black's pawn structure.
Characteristic: The bishop move to g5 pins the f6-knight and signals White's intention to challenge Black's control of the dark squares early on. It can provoke weaknesses or create tactical opportunities.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, 3.Bg5 is an attacking move, putting immediate pressure on Black's knight and indirectly on the center by targeting a key defender. Black typically responds with solid, sometimes defensive moves, aiming to unpin or maintain a strong foothold in the center.
Center Control: While White does not directly occupy the center with pawns at this stage, the pin on the knight indirectly challenges Black's central presence. The opening encourages a fight over central control, with White aiming to undermine Black's hold rather than immediately occupying the center.
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 Indian: 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bg5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #7 white