Chessy
How to Play the Indian Defense: London System: b6 as White
After the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bf4 b6 4.a3, you reach one of the quieter but trickier byways of the London System. Black signals a queen-side fianchetto with ...b6, and you've stopped any pin on f3 with your last move. Statistically, this position is dead level — across 2,572 games White scores 48.6%, Black 47.6%, with a Stockfish evaluation of just +0.22. The engine awards White a tiny edge, but it is near-parity and the real fight starts now. The drill below will help you navigate the most common replies and the engine's top recommendation.
Play the Indian Defense: London System: b6 against the engine
Free, no signup — you play white, the engine adapts to your level.
The drill below puts you in this exact position against an adapting engine. Practice meeting Bb7, Ba6, c5, and d5 — and turn that dead-level start into a win.
Create a free account →The Big Surprise: Black Plays Ba6
The engine's top choice for Black here is Ba6, a move played in only 70 of the 2,572 games in the database — but it scores 52.9% for Black, meaning the handful of players who know it cause White real problems. The idea is direct: Black trades his light-squared bishop for your knight on f3, doubling your f-pawn and leaving your king-side slightly airy. The engine's full line runs Ba6 e3 Bxf1 Rxf1. You recapture with the rook, not the king, keeping your king in the centre for now. If you haven't seen this plan before, it can feel uncomfortable — but knowing it exists is half the battle. Most club players will play something else, and the statistics help you decide how to meet each option.
The Mainstream: Bb7 (2,270 Games)
By far the most popular move is Bb7, appearing in 2,270 games. Black develops the bishop to its natural diagonal and waits. White's score here holds exactly at 48.6%, which matches the overall average for the position. Against Bb7 you have a calm game ahead — continue with e3, building the standard London System centre step by step. There are no fireworks here, and that is fine. Black has committed to a slightly passive set-up. Your task is to outplay them in a quiet positional struggle. The engine doesn't see a knockout blow; you just play solid chess and let the position reward patience.
When Black Strikes in the Centre: c5 and d5
Two instructive replies show Black trying to claim space. c5 (58 games) gives White a 51.7% score — a respectable bump. You can meet it with e3, keeping your pawn centre intact. The d5 move (40 games) is the real outlier: White scores just 37.5% here, badly below average. If Black plays d5, you need to be alert. The pawn on d5 controls e4 and cramps your pieces. Your plan should involve challenging the centre with e3 followed by quick development. Notice that d6 (28 games) — the more restrained choice — flips the numbers: White scores 53.6% there. The lesson: when Black pushes d5 aggressively, they get counterplay; when they hold back, you have the easier game.
The Common Mistakes to Punish
The database also shows Be7 (44 games), where White scores 43.2% — actually a slight under-performance, suggesting Be7 is quietly decent for Black. The real mistake to look for is Black misplaying the early fianchetto. If Black develops without a clear plan and delays the active Ba6 idea, your standard London development with e3 gives you a comfortable footing. Watch for Black playing ...Bb7 and then drifting, wasting tempos. Keep your centre solid, don't rush an attack, and the statistics say you will score at least your fair share.
Results across 2,572 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bb7 | 2,270 | 48.6% |
| Ba6 | 70 | 52.9% |
| c5 | 58 | 51.7% |
| Be7 | 44 | 43.2% |
| d5 | 40 | 37.5% |
| d6 | 28 | 53.6% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the London System b6 good against the Indian Defense?
Yes, it scores roughly evenly — 48.6% for White across thousands of games. The evaluation is +0.22, a tiny edge. You are not winning out of the opening, but you also are not worse. The London set-up is solid and hard to surprise if you know the Ba6 idea.
Why does Ba6 work for Black in the London System b6?
Ba6 trades Black's light-squared bishop for your knight on f3, doubling your f-pawn and weakening your king-side structure. It scores 52.9% for Black, but it is rare — only 70 games in the database. Knowing it is coming lets you handle it calmly with e3 and recapturing with the rook.
What is White's best plan after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bf4 b6 4.a3?
Against the main move Bb7, just develop naturally with e3 and follow the standard London System plan. You have a comfortable position. Against c5, continue with e3 and keep your centre intact. The key is not to overreact — the position is balanced and solid London play works well.
Why does d5 score so badly for White in this line?
d5 is Black's most aggressive central push in this position, and White scores only 37.5% across 40 games. Black immediately controls e4 and limits your bishop. You should challenge the centre with c4 or prepare e3 quickly. Do not let Black's d-pawn sit unchallenged.