1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Bogo-Indian Defence
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ECO E11
A calm, reliable cousin of the Nimzo-Indian for when White plays 3.Nf3. The check on b4 develops with tempo and steers toward safe, sound positions with very little forcing theory to memorise.
Key ideas
- 3…Bb4+ develops with tempo; after 4.Bd2 or 4.Nbd2 Black gets an easy, solid game.
- Black often follows with …Be7 or …Bxd2, …d6/…e5 or …d5, aiming for a comfortable, balanced structure.
- It's the low-theory way to reach Nimzo-style positions when 3.Nc3 isn't on offer.
Who it suits
Players who want a safe, easy-to-learn Indian defence with minimal forcing theory.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Bogo-Indian Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer