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.
Pseudo Queen's Indian Defense
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 b6
This opening is characterized by Black's early ...b6 move, preparing to fianchetto the light-squared bishop to b7. Unlike the traditional Queen's Indian Defense, where Black often plays ...e6 first, here Black delays or omits it, aiming for a flexible setup.
From Black’s perspective, the Pseudo Queen's Indian is more of a positional and flexible defense rather than a direct attacking system. Black seeks to control key squares, especially on the long diagonal, and challenge White’s center indirectly.
White, having played 2. Nf3 instead of c4, maintains a solid and flexible center without committing immediately to occupying the center with pawns. The opening is not aggressively attacking the center for either side at this stage; rather, it focuses on controlling and contesting the center through piece play and development.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Pseudo Queen's Indian Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 9 - Move #7 black
You can also discover how top players used Pseudo Queen's Indian Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.