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.
Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3.
Characteristic: This opening is a flexible system for Black, often leading to various Indian Defense setups. Black delays the development of the light-squared bishop and prepares to challenge White’s center, especially the d4 and c4 pawns, while keeping options open for different pawn structures and piece placements.
Strategic Nature: As White, the move 3. Nc3 supports central control and development, aiming to maintain a strong presence in the center. Black's setup is generally more defensive at this stage but ready to counterattack the center later. Overall, White’s play is geared toward central occupation, while Black looks to undermine that center.
Center Control: This opening definitely involves a fight over the center. White establishes a classical pawn center with d4 and c4, supported by Nc3, while Black carefully prepares to challenge this center, often with ...d5 or ...c5 breaks in subsequent moves.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 211 - Move #4 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.