Chess lessons › Chess openings
The Bogo-Indian Defence
Check on b4 after 3.Nf3, and learn White’s two main blocks on d2 and what Black does next.
The idea
Black checks on b4 after 3.Nf3 and keeps the bishop guarded.
- The bishop on b4 gave check, but no black piece protects it.
- White’s bishop on d2 blocks the check and attacks it.
- ...Qe7 guards the bishop, and ...a5 would do the same with a pawn.
In a game: After ...Bb4+ and Bd2, guard the bishop with ...Qe7 or ...a5, or swap it on d2.
How the lesson begins
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 there is no knight on c3 to pin, but the bishop can still go to b4, now with check: 3...Bb4+. This is the Bogo-Indian Defence, chosen in 18% of games after 3.Nf3 among players rated 2000 and above on Lichess.
Black develops with check and asks White how to block it.
Find the move
White to move and in check. Block on d2 with a minor piece that has not moved yet.
A hint
A bishop or a knight that is still at home.
Show the answer
4. Bd2
4.Bd2 and 4.Nbd2 are both among the engine’s top moves. Both bring a new piece into play. 4.Nfd2 moves a developed knight backwards.
In numbers
How often it is played
| Rating | Value |
|---|---|
| Under 800 | Too few games |
| 800 to 1199 | Too few games |
| 1200 to 1599 | Too few games |
| 1600 to 1999 | Too few games |
| 2000 and up | 1.4 |
How the games ended
White won 44%, 12% were drawn and Black won 45%, over 316 games that start this way, in a sample of rated Lichess games from 2026.