Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3 Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Qc2. White: pawn on d4, pawn on a3, knight on c3, knight on f3, pawn on b2, queen on c2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, king on e1, bishop on f1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, bishop on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on b6, pawn on e6, knight on d5.
Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3 Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Qc2. It is classified E12 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Queen's Indian fianchettoes the light-squared bishop to fight for the e4 square along the long diagonal. It is the standard companion to the Nimzo-Indian, used when White avoids 3.Nc3 and so denies Black the Nimzo pin.
Strategic character
Solid and manoeuvring. Black keeps the position under control and contests the centre with pieces rather than pawns, leading to positions that are hard to break down but that require patience to play for a win.
Who should play it
Positional players who already play the Nimzo-Indian and need a consistent answer to 3.Nf3.
This line is a variation within the Queen's Indian Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3 Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Qc2.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack?
The Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3 Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Qc2. It is classified E12 in the ECO system. The Queen's Indian fianchettoes the light-squared bishop to fight for the e4 square along the long diagonal. It is the standard companion to the Nimzo-Indian, used when White avoids 3.Nc3 and so denies Black the Nimzo pin.
What are the moves of the Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack?
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3 Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Qc2. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack good for beginners?
Positional players who already play the Nimzo-Indian and need a consistent answer to 3.Nf3.