Theoria
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Queen's Indian Defense

Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Marco Defense

E12positionalsolid

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4e6
  3. 3.Nf3b6
  4. 4.a3Bb7
  5. 5.Nc3Be7
1,055 games52%43%

A flexible Queen's Indian line in which Black answers the Kasparov-Petrosian setup with 5...Be7, postponing ...d5 and keeping a Hedgehog-like posture.

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About the Marco Defense

Instead of fixing the center with 5...d5, Black develops the bishop to e7 and keeps the d-pawn's options open, aiming for a flexible, Hedgehog-like setup. The most common reply, 6. d5, gains space and cramps the b7-bishop. 6. Qc2 prepares e2-e4, and 6. Bg5 is a less demanding choice that has gone well for Black. The engine gives White a slight edge.

Popular continuations