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.
Neo-Queen's Indian
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 b6 3. Bf4 Bb7 4. e3 e6
The Neo-Queen's Indian is a flexible and solid opening that arises from the Queen's Indian Defense structure, but with White developing the bishop early to f4 instead of the traditional e2. This early bishop development aims to exert influence on the central and queenside light squares while keeping options open for pawn structure and piece placement.
Characteristic: The defining feature of this line is White’s early Bf4, which supports central control and prepares for a solid but active setup. Black responds with ...Bb7 and ...e6, reinforcing control over the central dark squares and preparing to challenge White's center.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this opening is more positional and somewhat flexible, leaning towards a balanced, strategic game rather than an outright attack. White maintains solid central control and good piece development. Black’s setup is typically solid and somewhat defensive, aiming to counterattack later once the position clarifies.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center indirectly. White supports the center with pawns on d4 and e3 and the bishop on f4, while Black challenges key central squares with pieces and prepares to strike with ...c5 or ...d5 in many lines. The opening is not centered around immediate central pawn tension but rather gradual buildup and control.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Neo-Queen's Indian, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 6 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Neo-Queen's Indian to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.