Indian defenses

Bogo-Indian Defense

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+

The Bogo-Indian Defense starts with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ and is catalogued under ECO E11, in the indian defenses half of the book. The catalog indexes 21 lines inside it, grouped into 10 named variations, and the position after those moves has 1 playable continuation to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

Root edges show how often each move is played around your Elo. Use the arrow on a position to reveal the next replies.

Current position
Bogo-Indian Defense: Grünfeld Variation
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h

Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.d4

    Takes central space with a protected pawn and frees the queen’s bishop.

    Idea: Build a stable center that supports a broad positional setup.

  2. 1Nf6

    Develops a knight and prevents White from occupying e4 unchallenged.

    Idea: Keep the central pawns flexible and choose an Indian setup after White commits.

  3. 2.c4

    Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  4. 2e6

    Advances to e6 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  5. 3.Nf3

    Develops the knight to f3, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  6. 3Bb4+

    Develops the bishop to b4, bringing it into the game, forcing the king to answer a check.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  7. 4.Nbd2

    Develops the knight to d2, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  8. 4b6

    Advances the b-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  9. 5.a3

    Advances the a-pawn to gain queenside edge space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  10. 5Bxd2+

    Captures the knight on d2 and changes the local pawn or piece balance, forcing the king to answer a check.

    Idea: Remove an active defender and improve the moving piece’s influence.

  11. 6.Qxd2

    Captures the bishop on d2 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.

    Idea: Remove an active defender and improve the moving piece’s influence.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

1 move

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Bogo-Indian Defense. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Bogo-Indian Defense.