Fianchetto Accelerated

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6

Black immediately challenges White's c4 pawn by developing the bishop to a6. This accelerates the fight for central structure and often forces White to show their hand earlier than in the classical Bb7 lines.

ECO Code

E15-E16

Difficulty

Intermediate

Style

Active/Positional

Main Idea

Target c4

Typical Continuations

White: b3 Support

b3 and Bb2

White often supports c4 and prepares queenside development, accepting a slower kingside setup.

Black: Pressure and Breaks

...Bb4+, ...d5, ...c5

Black uses piece pressure and central breaks to challenge White's center from multiple angles.

Structural Decisions

c5 breaks and exchanges

Early exchanges can reshape the game. Understand which pawn structures you want.

Immediate Pressure on c4

This is a practical way for Black to steer the Queen's Indian into concrete play quickly.

Back to Queen's Indian Defense Nimzowitsch Variation