Queen's Indian Defense: Riumin Variation (E16)

The Riumin Variation is a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E16. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 Be7, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves.

On the Queen's Indian Defense generally: A flexible defense to 1.d4 where Black fianchettoes the queen's bishop to control e4.

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Queen's Indian Defense: Riumin Variation — position after Be7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 Be7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3b6
4g3Bb7
5Bg2Bb4+
6Bd2Be7

ECO: E16

Stockfish: +0.39 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Riumin Variation?

The Riumin Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 Be7. It is a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E16.

What is the ECO code for the Riumin Variation?

The Riumin Variation is ECO E16. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Indian Defense.

Is the Riumin Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Bb4+ 6. Bd2 Be7 at +0.39 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Riumin Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move.