Indian Defense

2...e6

2...e6 is a move with several purposes. First, it opens a diagonal for the development of Black's dark-squared bishop. It also challenges White's ambition in the center by attacking the d5 square. By doing so, Black prepares to play ...d5 while discouraging White from playing d5 himself.

A disadvantage for Black of systems with ...e6 is that the pawn on e6 blocks the c8-h3 diagonal on which Black's light-squared bishop may wish to operate. Finding a useful way to develop this piece, either through a queenside fianchetto or a future reopening of the c8-h3 diagonal, is a perennial challenge for Black players after ...e6. However, the inactivity of the light-squared bishop, while sometimes problematic, is rarely fatal in the early going, and should not discourage Black players from choosing 2...e6 or ...e6 on a later move.

White has three main choices here:

• 3. Nc3 - more aggressive in trying to establish a center via e2-e4, but also allows the 3...Bb4 pin (Nimzo-Indian). Black may also play a Benoni or QGD.
• 3. Nf3 - Less aggressive but solid. White may face a Queen's Indian, Benoni, or QGD.
• 3. g3 - This usually leads to a Catalan, or sometimes a Symmetrical English or Benoni. The Catalan offers good chances for white to obtain powerful piece play in a more open game than the typical 1. d4 openings.