Theoria
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Old Indian Defense

Janowski Variation, Main Line

A53positionaloffbeat

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4d6
  3. 3.Nc3Bf5
  4. 4.f3
700 games52%45%

Old Indian Defense line where White meets the early ...Bf5 with 4. f3, preparing e4 with tempo against the bishop and a broad pawn center.

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About the Main Line

The Main Line of the Janowski Variation meets 3...Bf5 with 4. f3, which prepares e4 so that the advance gains time against the bishop and gives White a broad pawn center. Black most often replies 4...e5, challenging d4 before e4 arrives. 4...Nbd7 and 4...e6 are the other common choices, and Black has scored well after 4...e6 in Lichess games. Engines give White a slight edge.

Popular continuations