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. Nf3 e6 3. e3 b6 4. Bd3 Bb7 5. O-O c5 6. c4 g6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.

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: with e3 — position after g6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. e3 b6 4. Bd3 Bb7 5. O-O c5 6. c4 g6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2Nf3e6
3e3b6
4Bd3Bb7
5O-Oc5
6c4g6

ECO: E14

Stockfish: +0.86 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the with e3?

The with e3 goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. e3 b6 4. Bd3 Bb7 5. O-O c5 6. c4 g6. 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 Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. e3 b6 4. Bd3 Bb7 5. O-O c5 6. c4 g6 at +0.86 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.