Neo-Indian Attack

The Neo-Indian Attack is a chess opening that begins with the moves:

1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 e6
3. Bg5
Neo-Indian Attack
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1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bg5

This opening is also known as the Seirawan Attack, after top 1980s player Yasser Seirawan.


Description

The pinning of the f6-knight looks similar to the Torre Attack, but while the Torre is fairly common, the Neo-Indian is rarely played. The move order has been used by players such as David Janowski against Edward Lasker in New York City 1922.[1] The opening has been considered possible opening surprise in the Secrets of Opening Surprises series.[2]

The most common responses from Black are:

  • 3...h6 which forces the bishop to move again, and unlike the Trompowsky Attack, 4.Bxf6 will not leave Black with doubled pawns.
  • 3...Bb4+ which can transpose to the Leningrad variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense after 4.Nc3 or lead to unique variations after 4.Nd2.
  • 3...c5 4.d5
  • 3...Be7

Unless the game transposes to another variation, the Neo-Indian is classified as E00 by the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings.

References

  1. "David Janowski vs Edward Lasker". chessgames.com. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  2. Palliser, Richard. "Nimzo & Benoni July 06 update". chesspublishing.com. Retrieved 1 March 2010.

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