Theoria
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Bogo-Indian Defense

Wade-Smyslov Variation

E11positionaloffbeat

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4e6
  3. 3.Nf3Bb4+
  4. 4.Bd2a5
1,696 games48%46%

Bogo-Indian line with 4...a5, supporting the b4-bishop and gaining queenside space at some structural cost, with White keeping a slight edge.

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About the Wade-Smyslov Variation

The Wade-Smyslov Variation of the Bogo-Indian Defense answers 4. Bd2 with 4...a5. The pawn defends the bishop on b4, so Black can keep it there rather than exchange or retreat. The move also gains queenside space, though it concedes some structural weaknesses. David Bronstein tried it. White most often replies 5. g3 or 5. a3, with 5. Nc3 a distant third. The engine gives White a slight edge, while results in online play are close to even.

Popular continuations