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 arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 b6 3. e3. This opening is a flexible and solid system for White against Black's Queen's Indian Defense setup.
Characteristic: By playing 3. e3, White supports the d4 pawn and prepares to develop the dark-squared bishop, often aiming for a harmonious and resilient setup rather than immediate confrontation. This move keeps the center stable and avoids early tactical complications.
Attacking or Defensive: White’s approach in the Neo-Queen’s Indian is generally more positional and somewhat defensive, focusing on solid development and control rather than direct attacks. Black, by fianchettoing the queen’s bishop early with ...b6, aims for pressure on White’s center and long diagonal control, which can lead to counterattacks.
Center Control: White maintains a strong presence in the center with the d4 pawn and supports it with e3 and Nf3. The opening does not involve an immediate aggressive push in the center (like c4 in other d4 openings), but it does aim to control the center steadily and flexibly.
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 1 - Move #33 white
You can also discover how top players used Neo-Queen's Indian to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.