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: Petrosian Variation arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3.
The move 4. a3 is a characteristic waiting move by White, aimed at preventing Black's ...Bb4 pin on the knight or to prepare a later b4 expansion. It is a subtle, flexible move that avoids immediate confrontation while maintaining control over key squares.
From White's perspective, this move is primarily positional and preparatory, focusing on limiting Black's typical queenside counterplay and supporting central control indirectly. Black's setup in the Queen's Indian Defense is solid and somewhat defensive, aiming to undermine White's center from the flanks rather than occupying it directly.
Overall, this variation does not lead to an immediate direct attack on the center by White or Black but revolves around careful piece placement and control over key squares surrounding the center. White maintains a strong presence in the center with pawns on d4 and c4, while Black looks to challenge this structure with piece pressure and timely pawn breaks.
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.