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Queen's Indian defence facts for kids

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The Queen's Indian Defence is a popular way for Black to respond to White's first move, 1.d4, in chess. It's a smart strategy where Black develops their queen's bishop (QB) to a special square, g7, in a move called a fianchetto. This helps control the center of the board from afar.

The Queen's Indian Defence
a b c d e f g h
8
Chessboard480.svg
a8 black rook
b8 black knight
c8 black bishop
d8 black queen
e8 black king
f8 black bishop
h8 black rook
a7 black pawn
c7 black pawn
d7 black pawn
f7 black pawn
g7 black pawn
h7 black pawn
b6 black pawn
e6 black pawn
f6 black knight
c4 white pawn
d4 white pawn
f3 white knight
a2 white pawn
b2 white pawn
e2 white pawn
f2 white pawn
g2 white pawn
h2 white pawn
a1 white rook
b1 white knight
c1 white bishop
d1 white queen
e1 white king
f1 white bishop
h1 white rook
8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
White to move

How Does the Queen's Indian Defence Start?

The Queen's Indian Defence usually begins with these moves:

  • 1.d4 Nf6
  • 2.c4 e6
  • 3.Nf3 b6

After these moves, White has a few different options for their next move, such as 4.e3, 4.Nc3, or 4.g3. Another common move is 4.a3. This move helps White prepare to play 5.Nc3 without Black being able to play 5...Bb4, which would pin White's knight.

What is a Common Line in the Queen's Indian Defence?

One of the most common ways the game continues in the Queen's Indian Defence is like this:

  • 4.g3 Bb7 (Sometimes Black plays 4...Ba6 instead)
  • 5.Bg2 Be7
  • 6.0-0 0-0
  • 7.Nc3 Ne4
  • 8.Qc2 Nxc3
  • 9.Qxc3
Black to move after 9.Qxc3
a b c d e f g h
8
Chessboard480.svg
a8 black rook
b8 black knight
d8 black queen
f8 black rook
g8 black king
a7 black pawn
b7 black bishop
c7 black pawn
d7 black pawn
e7 black bishop
f7 black pawn
g7 black pawn
h7 black pawn
b6 black pawn
e6 black pawn
c4 white pawn
d4 white pawn
c3 white queen
f3 white knight
g3 white pawn
a2 white pawn
b2 white pawn
e2 white pawn
f2 white pawn
g2 white bishop
h2 white pawn
a1 white rook
c1 white bishop
f1 white rook
g1 white king
8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a b c d e f g h
Black to move after 9.Qxc3

In this line, Black has developed their pieces well. They have castled to keep their king safe. White has also developed their pieces and castled. The game is now set for more exciting moves!

Why is This Defence Important?

The Queen's Indian Defence is important because it helps Black control the center of the board. It also creates a strong defense for Black's king. Many strong chess players use this opening. It allows Black to have a flexible game plan.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Defensa india de dama para niños

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Queen's Indian defence Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.