The Queen's Indian arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 (ECO E12). Black fianchettoes the light-squared bishop on b7 and fights for the key e4 square in hypermodern style - with pieces rather than pawns.
The opening is notable for its solidity and strategic depth: the bishop on b7 presses along the long diagonal while Black responds flexibly to White's set-up. It is one of the soundest answers to 1.d4 for anyone who avoids forcing theory.
The Queen's Indian often goes hand in hand with the Nimzo-Indian (3.Nf3 is precisely how White sidesteps the Nimzo). Petrosian, Karpov and Carlsen all respected it for its solidity and fine manoeuvring.
Set it up on the board, move the pieces around and copy the FEN - or open the full walkthrough of the opening in a separate article.
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The pieces will be arranged into the chosen pattern.
It is the mating side to move. Find mate in one.
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