A53
Old Indian Defense
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6
In the Old Indian Defense, aim to understand the plans and pawn structures, not just memorize the first moves.
The Old Indian Defense is a chess opening classified under ECO code A53. It is reached after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6: 4 moves in, with White to play.
Learn its typical plans and pawn structures rather than memorizing moves — that’s what holds up over the board.
12 named variations branch from this position; the list at the end of the page goes one move deeper into each.
Play the Old Indian Defense? See where you go wrong.
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Analyze my games free →Variations of the Old Indian Defense
- Aged Gibbon Gambit1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. g4
- Czech Variation, with Nc31. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 c6
- Czech Variation, with Nf31. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nf3 c6
- Janowski Variation1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 Bf5
- Janowski Variation, Fianchetto Variation1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 Bf5 4. g3
- Janowski Variation, Grinberg Gambit1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 Bf5 4. e4
- Janowski Variation, Main Line1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 Bf5 4. f3
- Duz-Khotimirsky Variation1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 e5 4. e3 Nbd7 5. Bd3
- Tartakower-Indian1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nf3 Bg4
- Two Knights Variation1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 e5 4. Nf3
- Ukrainian Variation1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 e5
- Normal Variation1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 Nbd7 4. e4 e5 5. Nf3
Related openings
Old Indian Defense: Aged Gibbon GambitOld Indian Defense: Czech Variation, with Nc3Old Indian Defense: Czech Variation, with Nf3Old Indian Defense: Janowski VariationOld Indian Defense: Janowski Variation, Fianchetto VariationOld Indian Defense: Janowski Variation, Grinberg GambitOld Indian Defense: Janowski Variation, Main LineOld Indian Defense: Duz-Khotimirsky VariationOld Indian Defense: Tartakower-IndianOld Indian Defense: Two Knights Variation