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, Farago Defense
This opening arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Ba6 5. Qc2 Bb7. It is a flexible line within the Queen's Indian Defense, where Black fianchettoes the queen's bishop to b7 and actively challenges White's central control.
Characteristic of the move 4. a3: This subtle waiting move prevents Black's bishop or knight from pinning or occupying the b4-square, preparing to support c4 and maintain a strong grip on the center.
From Black's perspective, the setup is solid and somewhat defensive, aiming to undermine White's center indirectly rather than direct confrontation. Black's bishop maneuvers to a6 and then b7 exert pressure on White's central and queenside pawns, contributing to long-term strategic play.
White, on the other hand, maintains a central space advantage and can prepare to expand or develop pieces harmoniously. The opening does focus on controlling the center, with both sides contesting key squares, but Black's approach is more about counterattacking and positional pressure rather than immediate central occupation.
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation, Farago Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.