ECO E11 · for Black
Bogo-Indian Defense
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
313,914 games in this band reached the Bogo-Indian Defense position. From there Black won 45% and drew 5%.
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 Bxd2+ 5. Nbxd2 O-O 6. e4 d6
Moves 1 to 2
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6
1. d4
The Queen's Pawn opening is more usually more positional in nature, White intends to develop the pieces while having a share of the center.
1... Nf6
Preventing e4 while developing a piece.
2. c4
Controlling some central squares using a flank pawn before playing Nc3
2... e6
Preparing for a solid setup with d5, often leading to the Queen's Gambit Declined or the Nimzo-Indian Defense. This move also frees the dark-squared bishop.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 Bxd2+
3. Nf3
Preparing for a quick development of the bishop to either e2 or d3 and also controlling the e5 square, which can be a potential outpost for the knight in the future.
3... Bb4+
Developing the bishop while putting white's king in check. This allows black to castle very quickly.
4. Bd2
Blocking the check with the bishop allowing black to exchange pieces.
4... Bxd2+
- 4... Qe7: Protecting the bishop while activating the queen.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nbxd2 O-O 6. e4 d6
5. Nbxd2
5... O-O
6. e4
6... d6
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The queenside knight often goes to e7, via c6
- The queen typically develops to e7
- Common pawn moves are h6, g6, e5, and a5
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black