A53beginner

Old Indian Defense

A solid but passive defense where Black plays ...d6 and ...e5. Predecessor to the King's Indian Defense with a more restrained character.

40%
White wins
30%
Draw
30%
Black wins

Main Line Moves

1.d4Nf62.c4d63.Nc3e54.Nf3Nbd75.e4Be76.Be2O-O7.O-Oc6

Key Ideas

  • 1Solid pawn structure with ...d6 and ...e5
  • 2Less dynamic than the King's Indian
  • 3Black develops pieces solidly behind the center
  • 4Plan for a later ...c6 and ...d5 break

Variations

Ukrainian Variation

d4Nf6c4d6Nc3e5Nf3Nbd7g3Be7Bg2O-OO-Oc6

White fianchettoes the bishop for long-term pressure

Practice the Old Indian Defense interactively

See every move animated on the board with step-by-step explanations

Open in ChessGrind →

Related Openings