Queen's Indian Defense: Spassky System (E14)

The Spassky System is a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E14. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. e3 Bb7 5. Bd3, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

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

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

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Queen's Indian Defense: Spassky System — position after Bd3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. e3 Bb7 5. Bd3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3b6
4e3Bb7
5Bd3

ECO: E14

Stockfish: +0.14 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Spassky System?

The Spassky System goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. e3 Bb7 5. Bd3. It is a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E14.

What is the ECO code for the Spassky System?

The Spassky System is ECO E14. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Indian Defense.

Is the Spassky System good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. e3 Bb7 5. Bd3 at +0.14 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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 Spassky System lead to?

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