Chess Openings - The Indian Defenses
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1. d4 Nf6
The Indian Defenses are an opening class characterized by the moves 1. d4 Nf6. Rather than follow white's lead in the Queen's Pawn Opening, black chooses to respond in an unsymmetrical way. The name comes from a version of chess played in India that does not allow the double pawn move. As a result, this type of knight development is seen much more often.
The Indian Defenses fall into the hypermodern school. White is allowed to amass an intimidating force in the centre. Black will try to undermine this centre and ultimately destroy it.
How Common are The Indian Defenses?
Very Common at the Master Level
Common at the Novice Level
As was seen in the King's Pawn Opening, it is more popular for black to respond unsymmetrical when facing the Queen's Pawn Opening. Black plays an Indian Defense about 60% of the time. If you are a d4 player, you must be prepared to face both d5, and the Indian Defenses.
White's Next Move
White's next move is usually 2. c4 (75% probability). This leads into a large number of important systems and variations that fall under the umbrella of the Indian Defenses. We'll take a look at three well known and popular lines: the Nimzo Indian Defense, the King's Indian Defense, and the Queen's Indian Defense.