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Old Indian Defense

Chesspedia, the Free Chess Encyclopedia.

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The Old Indian Defense is a chess opening. It is defined by the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6 (see algebraic notation) and distinguished from the King's Indian Defense by Black developing his king's bishop on e7 rather than fianchettoing it at g7.

The Old Indian Defense is considered to be sound, but since not fianchettoing the bishop makes the Old Indian more passive than the King's Indian, it is less popular.

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Main Variations

The variations of the Old Indian Defense (ECO code A53 to A55) are as follows:

3.Nc3 Bf5 - Janowski Variation (A53)

This "Janowski Indian Defense" was first introduced by David Janowski in the 1920s, although it didn't gain any popularity until the 1980s. Several well known players have employed the opening multiple times including Mikhail Tal, Bent Larsen, Florin Gheorghiu, and Mihail Suba.

By playing 3...Bf5, Black prevents White from playing the space grabbing 4.e4.