Chess opening · ECO E11

Bogo-Indian Defense

The Bogo-Indian Defense starts 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+. It ranks #154 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.

The position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+. White to move.

Move by move

  1. 1. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
  2. 1... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
  3. 2. c4White pushes the c-pawn two squares to c4.
  4. 2... e6Black advances the e-pawn to e6.
  5. 3. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
  6. 3... Bb4+Black develops the dark-squared bishop to b4, giving check.

What players choose next, by rating

The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Bd2 is the most popular next move among players rated under 1200 and 2000 and up, though the favorite changes in between.

RatingMost commonSecondThird
Under 1200Bd2 100%––
1200–1399Nc3 52%Bd2 48%–
1400–1599Bd2 56%Nc3 36%Nbd2 8%
1600–1799Bd2 67%Nc3 25%Nbd2 8%
1800–1999Bd2 77%Nc3 17%Nbd2 7%
2000 and upBd2 63%Nbd2 30%Nc3 8%

Practice it against a human-like opponent.

BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.

Play a free coached game →

Played this opening recently?

Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.

Analyze a game free →