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 e6
This opening is a modern variation of the Queen's Indian Defense, characterized by Black's early ...b6 and ...e6, preparing to fianchetto the light-squared bishop while maintaining a solid and flexible pawn structure.
From Black's perspective, the setup is primarily defensive, aiming to control key squares and challenge White's center indirectly rather than immediate central confrontation. White, however, maintains a slight initiative by developing the bishop outside the pawn chain early and keeping central tension.
The Neo-Queen's Indian does not involve an immediate direct attack on the center by Black; instead, it focuses on controlling important central and queenside squares with pieces and pawns, often leading to a strategic battle for central influence rather than a direct pawn clash.
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 3 - 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.