Chessy
Queen's Indian Accelerated: a practical Black setup
The Queen's Indian Accelerated starts with a very compact idea: answer 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 b6 and get ready to meet White's setup without rushing. In the position after those moves, it is White to move, and the engine already gives White a small edge. That makes this a useful drill for Black: you are not looking for wild tactics, but for accurate play against White's main continuations. Train the position below and get used to the most common plans White chooses.
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Create a free account →What the position tells you
Stockfish rates this +0.52, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly worse here. The opening is still very playable, but you should treat it as a position where Black needs to be accurate rather than greedy. The practical lesson is simple: if White develops smoothly and keeps the centre under control, your job is to meet that setup cleanly and avoid giving away more time or space.
White's main choices at this tabiya
This exact position has been reached in 368,283 games, so it is a very common checkpoint. White's most-played continuation is Nc3, with 257,537 games and White scoring 50.9%. The other major choices are Nf3, e3, Bg5, d5, and Bf4. For Black, that means you need a setup that can handle several different move orders without becoming uncomfortable.
The critical move to know
The engine's best move here is Nc3, continuing Nc3 Bb7 Qc2 d5. That is the move the drill wants you to understand first, because it fits the usual development pattern and keeps Black's game on track. The point is not to memorise long forcing lines, but to recognise the most natural reply and play the opening in a principled way.
A common mistake to punish
Bg5 is listed as an inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns, with Nc3 being better. That is useful information for practical play: when White develops the bishop that way, White is already drifting away from the best line. Stay calm, keep following sound development, and do not help White by creating unnecessary weaknesses or delays in your own position.
Results across 368,283 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc3 | 257,537 | 50.9% |
| Nf3 | 51,179 | 51.3% |
| e3 | 21,103 | 48.4% |
| Bg5 | 11,395 | 49.6% |
| d5 | 6,264 | 48.2% |
| Bf4 | 5,441 | 50.8% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Queen's Indian Accelerated good for Black?
It is playable, but this position is not better for you. Stockfish gives +0.52, which means White has a small edge. You should choose it if you are happy to defend accurately and steer the game into a solid middlegame.
What is White most likely to play here?
The most-played continuation is Nc3, with 257,537 games. White also often chooses Nf3, e3, Bg5, d5, or Bf4. The drill helps you prepare for these common setups instead of memorising only one answer.
What is the main move the engine likes for White?
The engine's best move here is Nc3. The continuation given is Nc3 Bb7 Qc2 d5, which shows the kind of development Black should expect after White chooses the main line.
Which move should I be especially ready to face?
Bg5 is flagged as an inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns, with Nc3 being better. If White chooses Bg5, that is a sign White has stepped away from the strongest continuation, so stay disciplined and keep your setup consistent.
How many games feature the Queen's Indian Accelerated?
Over 368K Lichess games have reached the Queen's Indian Accelerated position. White wins 50.7%, Black wins 45.5%, with 3.8% draws — based on real rated games.