ECO code: E16
Opening Name: Queen's Indian Defense: Capablanca Variation, 6...Bxd2+ 7.Nbxd2
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 Bxd2+ 7. Nbxd2
This line in the Queen's Indian Defense features Black's bishop check on b4 followed by an exchange on d2. By playing 6...Bxd2+, Black simplifies the position early, exchanging the dark-squared bishops and slightly reducing White's control over the dark squares.
Characteristic of this move: The bishop exchange on d2 is a strategic decision by Black to remove White's strong dark-squared bishop, which often supports central and queenside control. This helps Black to alleviate some positional pressure and prepares for flexible development.
Playing style: For Black, this move is somewhat defensive and positional, aiming to neutralize White’s bishop pair and maintain solid control over key squares. For White, recapturing with the knight to d2 keeps a strong central presence and prepares for smooth development, supporting a more active and attacking stance in the center.
Center control: This opening continues to focus on contesting the center indirectly. White’s setup with pawns on d4 and c4 aims to control central squares, while Black uses piece pressure and flexible pawn breaks later to challenge White’s central dominance.
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+ 7.Nbxd2, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #9 black