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 Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7 5. Nc3
This variation is characterized by White’s early 4. a3, a preparatory move designed to prevent Black’s ...Bb4 pin and to support the expansion of the c4-d4 center. It is a subtle and flexible approach that helps White maintain control over key central squares.
From Black’s perspective, the Queen's Indian Defense is a solid and somewhat defensive opening, aiming to control the dark squares and challenge White’s center indirectly without immediate confrontation. Black’s ...b6 and ...Bb7 setup targets the long diagonal and prepares to undermine White’s central pawns.
White’s setup here is more focused on maintaining a strong center and preventing Black’s piece activity, so it can be seen as a mix of positional and strategic play rather than direct attacking. The opening generally emphasizes control of the center, with White seeking to preserve and expand central influence while limiting Black’s counterplay.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #8 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.