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.
Bogo-Indian Defense: 4.Bd2 Be7 5.g3 d5 6.Bg2 O-O
This variation of the Bogo-Indian arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 Be7 5.g3 d5 6.Bg2 O-O. White responds to Black’s early check with 4.Bd2, aiming to challenge Black's bishop on b4 and maintain solid central control. Black’s move 4...Be7 is a flexible retreat, avoiding exchanges and preparing to castle safely.
Characteristic: The key characteristic of this line is the early development of White’s dark-squared bishop with 5.g3 and 6.Bg2, setting up a fianchetto that supports central and queenside control. Black’s setup is solid and aims for a flexible pawn structure without immediate confrontation.
Playing Style—Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this setup is relatively balanced but has a subtle attacking intent on the long diagonal and control of the center. For Black, the play is more defensive and positional, focusing on solid development and central tension rather than direct attacks.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center cautiously. White’s pawn on c4 and bishop on g2 exert pressure on the center, while Black’s d5 challenges White’s central influence. Overall, this opening is about careful central control with neither side committing to an immediate central breakthrough.
You can also discover how top players used Bogo-Indian: 4.Bd2 Be7 5.g3 d5 6.Bg2 O-O to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.