Queen's Indian Defense

When White avoids the Nimzo with Nf3, Black fianchettoes the light-squared bishop to contest the key e4 square from afar. It is a solid, positional hypermodern defense that pairs naturally with the Nimzo-Indian.

• Fianchetto to b7 to fight for control of e4
• Play ...Bb4+ or ...Bb7 setups depending on White's development
• Keep the structure solid and manoeuvre for small advantages
• Neutralise White's centre before seeking active counterplay