Old Indian Attack

The Old Indian Attack arises after 1. Nf3 d5 2. d3. Rather than challenging d5 with c4 or occupying the center with d4, White makes a small pawn move that supports a later e4, normally prepared by Nbd2. The name reflects the resemblance to the Old Indian Defense played with colors reversed and an extra tempo: a compact center built on d3 and e4 instead of an immediate claim to d4. Because the setup works well with g3, Bg2 and O-O, it often merges with King's Indian Attack structures. Black chooses the central formation first and can keep the d5-pawn supported.

The most common reply is 2...Nf6, which watches e4 and keeps options open. 2...Nc6 develops toward e5 and prepares ...e5 to build a broad center, and 2...c5 gains queenside space in the spirit of a reversed King's Indian. The engine also favors 2...Nf6, 2...c5 and 2...e6, and rates the position as roughly balanced. The line is relatively uncommon at master level but appears often in online play, where White scores slightly better than Black. Play tends to be slow and maneuvering, with little forcing theory.