Chessy
Indian Defense: Tartakower Attack for White
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.g3, you reach a very flexible position where neither side has claimed an edge yet. Stockfish rates this +0.04, a tiny edge for White. That means you are dead level and should focus on good development, central control, and a clear plan. The drill below lets you practise the first important decisions from this exact position, including the engine’s preferred reaction and the most common replies you will meet in real games.
Play the Indian Defense: Tartakower Attack against the engine
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Create a free account →What this position is really about
This opening is all about calm development and patience. White has chosen a kingside fianchetto with 2.g3, so your early job is usually to keep the position healthy, complete development, and stay ready for central play. The starting position is balanced, so there is no need to force tactics too early. If you understand the structure and make sensible developing moves, you will usually get a playable middlegame rather than an early fight for survival.
The engine’s main idea
The engine’s best move here is d5, and the listed continuation is d5 Nf3 c5 c4. That tells you what Black is trying to do: seize space and make the centre the main battleground. As White, you should expect this kind of central challenge and answer it with solid piece play rather than panic. The key lesson is simple: when Black expands in the middle, stay coordinated and do not drift into passive piece placement.
What the database says you will face
Across 862,055 games at this exact position, the results are remarkably balanced: White wins 48.6%, draws 4.5%, Black wins 46.9%. The most-played continuations are g6 (267,143 games, White scores 47.9%), d5 (245,548 games, White scores 48.4%), e6 (193,747 games, White scores 49.4%), d6 (45,064 games, White scores 49.1%), c5 (32,047 games, White scores 45.3%), and Nc6 (23,073 games, White scores 52.4%). In practical terms, you are not trying to refute anything here; you are trying to play good chess in a position that stays level for a long time.
The mistake to remember
One known mistake in this position is Nc6, which is marked as an inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns; better was d5. That is useful for your drill because it gives you a concrete target: if Black allows the wrong development, you should be ready to benefit from it. More broadly, this is a reminder to value central control and move order. Small inaccuracies can matter quickly when the centre is still open and both kings are not fully committed yet.
Results across 862,055 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| g6 | 267,143 | 47.9% |
| d5 | 245,548 | 48.4% |
| e6 | 193,747 | 49.4% |
| d6 | 45,064 | 49.1% |
| c5 | 32,047 | 45.3% |
| Nc6 | 23,073 | 52.4% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Indian Defense: Tartakower Attack good for White?
It is a very playable choice for White, but it does not promise an early advantage. The engine gives +0.04, so the opening is dead level. Your goal is to reach a comfortable middlegame and punish inaccuracies rather than expecting a direct attack.
What is the main idea for Black against 2.g3?
The engine’s best move is d5, and the listed continuation shows Black looking to contest the centre right away. That means you should be ready for central tension, not just kingside piece play. Good development matters more than memorising long forcing lines here.
Which replies are most common in this position?
The most-played continuations are g6, d5, e6, d6, c5, and Nc6. In practice, you will usually meet one of these central or kingside setups, so the drill is useful for learning how to respond flexibly. None of them gives White a clear edge by itself.
What should I be looking for as White?
Keep the position solid, develop naturally, and watch the centre closely. Since the opening is balanced, you should be alert for chances to gain time or punish a mistake such as Nc6, which is listed as an inaccuracy. If Black plays accurately, expect a normal middlegame rather than a forced win.
How many games feature the Indian Defense: Tartakower Attack?
Over 862K Lichess games have reached the Indian Defense: Tartakower Attack position. White wins 48.6%, Black wins 46.9%, with 4.5% draws — based on real rated games.