Chessy
Indian Defense: Przepiorka Variation as White
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3, you reach a quiet but flexible setup in the Indian Defense: Przepiorka Variation. Black to move now can choose from several sensible plans, but the main lesson is simple: your setup is sound, and the game is still balanced. The drill below helps you practise the key reply and get comfortable with the kind of middlegame this opening usually leads to. Play the moves, then test whether you can keep your position solid and active.
Play the Indian Defense: Przepiorka Variation against the engine
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Play the drill below and see if you can handle the main reply with confidence. Create a free account to practise the position and build your opening instincts.
Create a free account →What the engine says about the position
Stockfish rates this +0.19, a tiny edge for White. That means you are basically level and should think in practical terms rather than looking for an immediate breakthrough. Across 460,111 games at this exact position, White wins 48.9%, draws 4.9%, Black wins 46.2%. The opening is not a trap line; it is a stable starting point where both sides still have real chances.
The main reply to know
The engine's best move here is d5, continuing d5 Bg2 Bg7 c4. That tells you the central tension is the main story of the position. As White, you want to respond to Black's central challenge calmly, keep your pieces active, and avoid drifting into a passive setup. In the drill, focus on recognising when the centre becomes the key battleground.
Most common continuations
The most-played continuation is Bg7, seen in 416,927 games, with White scoring 48.8%. The other common choices are d5, 19,201 games with White scoring 48.9%, d6, 16,208 games with White scoring 49.4%, c6, 1,901 games with White scoring 50.4%, b6, 1,859 games with White scoring 50.4%, and c5, 1,805 games with White scoring 47.3%. For a learner, that means this opening is less about memorising one narrow line and more about understanding a few sensible plans.
How to approach the middlegame
Your setup with g3 is designed to keep the king safe and give the bishop a strong diagonal. That often means you can develop steadily, stay flexible, and wait for the right moment to contest the centre. Because the position is roughly equal, good decision-making matters more than forcing tactics. Aim for smooth development, a stable king, and pieces that can react to whatever Black chooses.
Results across 460,111 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bg7 | 416,927 | 48.8% |
| d5 | 19,201 | 48.9% |
| d6 | 16,208 | 49.4% |
| c6 | 1,901 | 50.4% |
| b6 | 1,859 | 50.4% |
| c5 | 1,805 | 47.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Indian Defense: Przepiorka Variation good for White?
Yes, it is perfectly playable for White. Stockfish gives +0.19, which is a tiny edge for White, and the position is basically balanced. You should expect a normal game rather than an opening advantage that wins by itself.
What is the main move for Black here?
The engine's best move is d5. The continuation given is d5 Bg2 Bg7 c4, so the central struggle is immediate and important. If you understand that idea, you will handle the opening more confidently.
What should I expect after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3?
You are entering a quiet, flexible position where both sides can develop naturally. The database shows many games from this exact spot, and the results are very close. That makes it a good opening to study if you like solid chess and steady piece play.
Which Black replies happen most often?
Bg7 is by far the most common continuation, with 416,927 games. Other replies that appear often are d5, d6, c6, b6, and c5. The exact numbers in the database show that Black has several reasonable setups, so you should be ready for more than one plan.
How many games feature the Indian Defense: Przepiorka Variation?
Over 460K Lichess games have reached the Indian Defense: Przepiorka Variation position. White wins 48.9%, Black wins 46.2%, with 4.9% draws — based on real rated games.