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: Fianchetto Variation
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3
This opening is a classic response to White's 1.d4, where Black aims to control the central dark squares indirectly by fianchettoing the bishop on b7. The move 4.g3 by White signals the intention to fianchetto the king's bishop, reinforcing control over the central and long diagonal squares.
Characteristic of the move 4.g3: This move prepares to develop the bishop to g2, creating a strong long diagonal presence and solidifying White’s control over the center, especially the d4 and e5 squares.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this setup is generally positional and flexible, focusing on solid control and long-term pressure rather than immediate attacks. Black, by contrast, adopts a somewhat defensive and counterattacking stance, aiming to challenge White’s center later while maintaining a solid structure.
Center Control: Both sides do not immediately occupy the center with pawns aggressively but focus on controlling key central squares from a distance. White maintains a strong presence in the center with pawns on d4 and c4, supported by the fianchettoed bishop, while Black prepares to strike at the center with moves like ...c5 or ...d5 in the coming moves.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 9 - Move #7 white
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.