Queen's Indian Defense: with e3 (E14)

The with e3 is a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E14. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Nbd2 b6 5. a3 Bxd2+ 6. Qxd2 Bb7 7. e3, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.

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

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: with e3 — position after e3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Nbd2 b6 5. a3 Bxd2+ 6. Qxd2 Bb7 7. e3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3Bb4+
4Nbd2b6
5a3Bxd2+
6Qxd2Bb7
7e3

ECO: E14

Stockfish: +0.35 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Queen's Indian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the with e3?

The with e3 goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Nbd2 b6 5. a3 Bxd2+ 6. Qxd2 Bb7 7. e3. It is a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E14.

What is the ECO code for the with e3?

The with e3 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 with e3 good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Nbd2 b6 5. a3 Bxd2+ 6. Qxd2 Bb7 7. e3 at +0.35 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 with e3 lead to?

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