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, Main Line
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7 5. Nc3 d5
This variation of the Queen's Indian Defense is characterized by Black’s early ...d5 strike in the center after developing the light-squared bishop to b7 and White’s preparatory a3 move. The move 5...d5 challenges White’s central control directly, diverging from the more common ...Be7 or ...c5 breaks in typical Queen's Indian lines.
From Black’s perspective, this line is more assertive and centralizing, aiming to contest the center immediately and open lines for active piece play. White, on the other hand, needs to carefully decide how to maintain or undermine Black’s central presence.
Overall, this opening focuses on central tension and control, with Black actively fighting for the center rather than purely adopting a defensive posture. White’s setup with a3 and Nc3 supports central expansion and prepares to meet Black’s central challenge.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Main Line, 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, Main Line to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.