The Old Indian Defence arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6 (ECO A53) followed by ...e5. It is the ancestor of the King's Indian: Black also plays ...d6 and ...e5, but without the ...g6 and ...Bg7 fianchetto, developing the bishop more modestly to e7.
The opening is firm and reliable but less dynamic than the modern King's Indian: without the bishop on g7 Black has less attacking potential, but fewer weaknesses too. The standard plan is a solid set-up and the ...e5 break.
The Old Indian suits anyone who likes the King's Indian ideas but prefers a quiet, solid treatment without the sharpest pawn storms.
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