Flank openings

Indian Defense

1.d4 Nf6

The Indian Defense starts with 1.d4 Nf6 and is catalogued under ECO A45, in the flank openings half of the book. The catalog indexes 53 lines inside it, grouped into 52 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
Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit Accepted
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
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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.g4

    Advances the g-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Prepare a fianchetto or discourage the opponent’s expansion on that wing.

  4. 2Nxg4

    Captures the pawn on g4 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.

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

  5. 3.e4

    Advances to e4 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

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

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

1 move

Named variations

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

28 more named lines sit inside this family — the tree above walks all of them.

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