Ukrainian Variation

The Ukrainian Variation is the most direct treatment of the Old Indian Defense. Instead of preparing the central push with ...Nbd7, Black plays 3...e5 immediately after 3. Nc3, challenging d4 at once. The cost is that e5 is not yet protected by a piece, so White can decide the character of the game on the next move. The engine gives White a slight edge, but on Lichess Black scores slightly better than White in this position.

The most frequent reply is 4. dxe5, which releases the tension. After the recapture White can trade queens, and Black loses the right to castle in an ending with a symmetrical structure. This line suits White players who want simple play, though Black's results in it are good. The closed 4. d5 gains space and fixes the structure, leading to a slow game resembling a King's Indian, except that Black usually develops the bishop on e7. The developing 4. Nf3, the Two Knights Variation, keeps the central tension and adds pressure on e5. It is also the engine's first choice, ahead of 4. d5 and the modest 4. e3.