Chessy
Indian Defense: Knights Variation b6 – A Small Edge for White
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 b6 you reach the Indian Defense: Knights Variation, and with 3.g3 you set up a flexible fianchetto against Black's early queen-side fianchetto attempt. The engine gives +0.48, a small plus for White — meaning you are slightly better already. Across 28,439 games White scores 51.8%, and your task is to turn that small statistical edge into a clear advantage by choosing the right replies and avoiding the most common mistakes. This drill lets you practise the position after 3.g3, where it is Black to move, and you get to face the most popular continuations in real time.
Play the Indian Defense: Knights Variation: b6 against the engine
Free, no signup — you play white, the engine adapts to your level.
Now put it into practice. Play the position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 b6 3.g3 against the engine and see if you can convert that +0.48 edge into a full point. Start
Create a free account →What You Are Fighting For – The Central Space
Black's 2...b6 aims to fianchetto the queen's bishop on b7 and put pressure on your d4 pawn. By playing 3.g3 you signal that you are happy to fianchetto your own king's bishop and maintain a healthy pawn centre. Your main ideas are to follow up with c4 — claiming space on the queenside — then develop naturally with Bg2 and castle quickly. The engine's +0.48 reflects your central space advantage and easier development. Black's bishop on b7 will stare at your pawn chain, but as long as you keep d4 solid and avoid unnecessary pawn weaknesses, you keep the edge.
The Most-Played Black Replies – And How You Score
You will face these moves most often in the position after 3.g3. Here is what the statistics say from your perspective as White (White scoring combines wins and draws, but remember White wins outright 51.8% of the time):
Bb7 – The Top Choice (25,950 Games)
Black immediately fianchettoes the bishop, continuing Bb7. White scores 51.5% here. Your plan is simple: develop with c4 (the engine's best continuation runs Bb7 c4 e6 Bg2). Notice that 4.c4 challenges Black's bishop on the long diagonal and opens lines for your queen's knight. Then Bg2 finishes your kingside development. Do not rush to exchange on b7 unless it gains something concrete — let Black's bishop sit while you build your centre.
e6 – The Solid Alternative (887 Games)
If Black plays e6 first, White scores a healthier 53.1%. Black defers the bishop development and strengthens d5, preparing a solid set-up. Your reply is still c4, followed by Bg2. Black may later play Bb7 anyway, transposing to the main line. The key point: do not let Black's ...d5 shut down your centre — if Black plays ...d5 after e6, you can consider whether to capture or support with your pieces. The engine likes natural development, so keep it simple.
Surprising Options – d5, c5, Ba6, g6
Black can also play d5 (358 games, White scores 55.6%), c5 (351 games, White scores 57.0%), Ba6 (251 games, White scores 54.6%), or g6 (196 games, White scores 57.1%). Against d5 you can develop with Bg2 and contest the centre; against c5 you can capture or support d4 with c3 or e3 — your +0.48 edge holds comfortably. Ba6 is a tricky pin attempt on your c4 pawn (after you play it), but you can simply play Bg2 and later deal with it. Against g6 Black fianchettoes both bishops, but your central space and development still give you the better chances.
Results across 28,439 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bb7 | 25,950 | 51.5% |
| e6 | 887 | 53.1% |
| d5 | 358 | 55.6% |
| c5 | 351 | 57.0% |
| Ba6 | 251 | 54.6% |
| g6 | 196 | 57.1% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Indian Defense Knights Variation b6 good for White?
Yes — Stockfish gives +0.48, a small but clear edge for White, meaning you are slightly better. White also wins 51.8% of games from this position in the Lichess database, with only 4.8% draws and 43.4% Black wins. You have a solid advantage to work with.
What is the best move against Bb7 after 3.g3?
The engine's top continuation is 4.c4, developing the queenside and challenging Black's b7 bishop. After 4...e6 you play 5.Bg2, completing your fianchetto. This leads to a flexible, space-advantaged position where White keeps a small edge.
Should I play c4 immediately as White?
Almost always yes. In the main line after 3.g3 Bb7, 4.c4 is the engine's choice and the most common move in practice. It grabs space, supports the d4 pawn, and prepares normal development. Only in rare lines (like after Black plays ...c5 early) might you consider alternatives, but 4.c4 is your reliable starting point.
How should I handle Black's Ba6 move?
Ba6 (251 games) tries to pressure the c4 square after you play c4. The engine suggests continuing your normal development with Bg2. If Black takes on c4, you can recapture with your b-pawn or bishop — either way, your central control and development remain superior. White scores 54.6% against this move.