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.
East Indian Defense
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6
FEN: rnbqkb1r/pppppp1p/5np1/8/3P4/5N2/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 0 3
The East Indian Defense is characterized by Black's fianchetto of the kingside bishop with ...g6, preparing to control the long diagonal and exert influence over the central dark squares. This setup is flexible and can lead to a variety of pawn structures and middlegame plans.
From Black's perspective, the opening is both defensive and counter-attacking. Black aims to challenge White's central presence indirectly rather than occupying the center immediately. White, on the other hand, typically plays more directly in the center, maintaining a strong pawn presence with moves like c4 and e4.
Regarding the center, this opening involves a delayed central confrontation. Black does not contest the center with pawns right away but uses piece pressure and fianchettoed bishop control to undermine White’s central pawns later in the game.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the East Indian Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 70 - Move #7 white
You can also discover how top players used East Indian Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.