ECO code: E16
Opening Name: Queen's Indian: Capablanca, 6...Bxd2+
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 Bxd2+
Description: This variation of the Queen’s Indian Defense features Black giving a check with 5...Bb4+ followed by an immediate exchange on d2 with 6...Bxd2+. By capturing on d2, Black aims to trade off White’s dark-squared bishop, which is a key piece supporting White’s control over the center and long diagonal. This simplification can ease Black’s development and reduce White’s attacking potential on the dark squares.
Characteristic of the move 6...Bxd2+: This move is somewhat rare and reflects a strategic choice by Black to exchange off White’s bishop early, rather than maintaining tension. It is often associated with the Capablanca style, emphasizing solid positional play and simplification rather than direct confrontation.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, 6...Bxd2+ is more of a positional and slightly defensive move, aiming to neutralize White’s bishop pair advantage. For White, the move calls for careful recapturing and development, maintaining pressure in the center and on the long diagonals.
Center Control: The Queen’s Indian Defense, including this line, is primarily a hypermodern opening where Black allows White to occupy the center initially but aims to undermine and attack it later. The move 6...Bxd2+ itself does not directly contest the center but supports Black’s long-term plan to challenge White’s central control.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Indian: Capablanca, 6...Bxd2+, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #13 black