Chess opening · ECO E60

Indian Defense: West Indian Defense

The Indian Defense: West Indian Defense starts 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6. It ranks #55 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.

The position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6. 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... g6Black advances the g-pawn to g6.

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. Nc3 is the most popular next move in every rating band.

RatingMost commonSecondThird
Under 1200Nc3 39%d5 25%e3 22%
1200–1399Nc3 67%e3 12%Nf3 9%
1400–1599Nc3 74%Nf3 11%e3 6%
1600–1799Nc3 84%Nf3 8%e3 3%
1800–1999Nc3 89%Nf3 7%e3 2%
2000 and upNc3 84%Nf3 8%g3 4%

Related openings

Indian Defense: Normal VariationThe line this one grows fromKing's Indian DefenseA variation of this line

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 →