ECO code: E00
Indian Defense: Seirawan Attack
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Bg5
FEN: rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/4pn2/6B1/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RN1QKBNR b KQkq - 1 3
The Seirawan Attack is characterized by White's early bishop development to g5, putting immediate pressure on Black's knight on f6. This move aims to provoke weaknesses or force Black to make decisions about the knight or the central pawn structure.
From White's perspective, this is an attacking move that seeks active piece play and control over key squares, especially targeting Black's kingside setup early on. For Black, the setup remains largely defensive initially, preparing to counter White's pressure.
Regarding the center, White's setup continues to challenge central control primarily through pawns on d4 and c4, while the bishop move supports indirect pressure on the center via the knight on f6. Thus, the opening does attack the center but in a more positional and piece-driven manner rather than immediate pawn thrusts.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Indian Defense: Seirawan Attack, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 17 - Move #6 white