for Black · intermediate
Bogo-Indian Defense
6/6
1.d4Nf62.c4e63.Nf3Bb4+
When White plays Nf3 instead of Nc3, Black checks with ...Bb4+ and develops with tempo toward a solid, flexible position. It is a low-theory, reliable companion to the Nimzo-Indian.
Key ideas
- Check with ...Bb4+ to develop actively and gain time
- Trade or retreat the bishop and aim for a solid structure
- Play for the ...d5 or ...d6 and ...e5 setups
- Keep the game strategic and low-risk
Live databaseLichess 1600–2000 · blitz + rapid
Bogo-Indian Defense1.4M games · White to move
MoveWhite / draw / BlackPlayedGamesScore
59%811k53%
0.1%8928%
Famous games in this line23k master games
Aronian, Levon (2809) – Carlsen, Magnus (2872)So, W. (2822) – Carlsen, M. (2838)Vachier Lagrave, Maxime (2789) – Carlsen, M. (2855)Nakamura, Hi (2787) – Carlsen, M. (2855)Karjakin, Sergey (2750) – Carlsen, M. (2882)Aronian, L. (2793) – Carlsen, M. (2832)Aronian, L. (2759) – Carlsen, M. (2861)Ding Liren (2774) – Carlsen, M. (2837)Heroes of this opening Carlsen, M. · Karjakin, Sergey
Keep exploring
Go deeper — named lines from here
Bogo-Indian Defense: Grünfeld Variation4.Nbd2 · 1 deeper lineBogo-Indian Defense: New England Variation4.Nfd2Bogo-Indian Defense: Haiti Variation4.Bd2 Nc6Bogo-Indian Defense: Retreat Variation4.Bd2 Be7
Nearby lines in the family
Study this opening