Chess Openings: Indian Systems

Indian Systems

Indian systems which come under Semi closed Games classification is studied separately because of their importance and variety. They begin with the asymmetrical opening moves 1 d4 Nf6. Indian systems offer equal opportunities to both sides through the unbalanced position.

They operate under the hypermodern opening theory which advocates attacking the center with pieces placed in the wings instead of pawns. As such they usually feature fianchettos. The positions in Indian systems can be achieved through several different move sequences and as in closed game openings the positions can be transformed into other openings.

Indian systems first achieved prominence 1920s through player following hypermodern theory but gained acceptance only in 1940s when players from Soviet Union adopted them as reliable play for Black. Since that time they have been a popular part of tournament play. They are also favorites with World champion players.

In reply to 1 … Nf6 the most common response by White is 2 c4. By this move White gains more territory in the center, and frees c3 for Knight, to prepare the pawn advance e4. To 2 c4, Black can reply in several ways.

2 … e6

If Black plays 2 … e6 allowing the devolvement of Bishop, he can enter several Indian variations such as Nimzo-Indian Defense, Queen's Indian Defense, Bogo-Indian Defense, Modern Benoni defense, or transposition to Queen's Gambit Declined opening.

Nimzo-Indian Defense (1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Bb4) is one of the oldest and most popular of Indian openings. In it Black will attack the center with minor pieces and will try to exchange a bishop for a knight to create doubled pawns in White’s Q-side. It is so potent that sometimes White will try to avoid it by playing 2 Nf3 which leads to The Queen's Indian Defense.

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The Queen's Indian Defense (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6) is a defensive opening with a solid position for Black. Less popular Bogo-Indian Defense can be used as an alternative to the Queen's Indian, It can also transposition to Queen's Indian and Nimzo-Indian.

In Catalan Opening also called Catalan System, after 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3, White aims to fianchetto the Bishop. It has features of both Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4) and Réti Opening (1 Nf3 followed by fianchettoing of both Bishops). It can be achieved through various other sequences as well.

2 … g6

2 … g6 aims to develop the Bishop through a fianchetto and leads to Indian variations called Grünfeld Defense and King's Indian Defense.

King's Indian Defense (1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 g6 3 Nc3 Bg7) another old Indian system has enjoyed bouts of popularity at the highest level of chess. This forceful but possibly risky opening is adopted by Black to win games instead of drawing them. Grünfeld Defense (1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 g6 3 Nc3 d5) was introduced in 1922 and differs from King's Indian Defense by the move d5. It too has been popular with World champion players.

2 … c5

In case of 2 … c5 the opening leads to Modern Benoni Indian Defense with a quick counter attack in the center

In Modern Benoni Defense (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5) Black tries to create an unbalanced position so that his pieces can enter the play by letting White create a strong point at d5 and allowing him a pawn majority in the center. As such it is a risky strategy but it has lead to some spectacular games. Playing 2 … e6 and then 2 c5 can mitigate some of the risk involved. Benko Gambit also called Volga Gmabit arises after 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 c5 3 d5 b5. It is popular with all levels of players. Black’s gambit aims to open lines in the Q-side and seize the initiative through exchanges. Because of this White usually do not accept the offer or returns it,

Others

Other Indian systems with varying degrees of popularity include Old Indian Defense, Black Knights' Tango or Mexican Defense, Blumenfeld Gambit, Döry Defense, Accelerated Queen's Indian Defense, Slav-Indian Defense, and as Anti-Indian combinations for White, Budapest Defense, Neo-Indian Attack, Torre Attack, and Trompowski Attack

Indian Systems are listed under a variety of ECO codes; A45 to A79, D70 to D99, and E00 to E99

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