Indian Defense: Accelerated London System: what to play after g6?

In the Indian Defense: Accelerated London System, White's most solid and engine-recommended continuation is Nf3, evaluated at +0.14. This natural developing move controls central squares like e5 and prepares kingside development before committing central pawns. While Nf3 leads the computer preferences, human practice recorded in the database shows 40,089 games with an overwhelming preference for the aggressive thrust h4 (100.0% of recorded games).

Developing with Nf3 and Central Control

Opting for Nf3 aligns with standard London System setups, establishing piece pressure over e5 without immediately defining the pawn structure. The engine recommends continuing with Nf3 Bg7 e3 d6 h3 O-O, where White systematically supports the center with e3 and uses h3 to preserve a retreat square for the f4 against potential harassment. This setup leaves White with a sound king position and flexible options for piece deployment.

The Aggressive h4 and Pawn Alternatives

In recorded games across all rating levels, the flank advance h4 accounts for all 40,089 games in the database, demonstrating a distinct human preference to target Black's kingside fianchetto immediately. For quieter play, White can also adopt prophylactic or flexible setups such as h3 (+0.14) or Nd2 (+0.12). The line Nd2 c5 e3 Bg7 c3 cxd4 illustrates how White maintains a solid pawn barrier in the center when Black challenges the d4 strongpoint.

Solidifying the Structure

White may also choose to bolster the pawn center directly via e3 (+0.10) or c3 (+0.07). The continuation e3 Bg7 Be2 d6 h3 O-O leads to harmonious piece coordination, while c3 Bg7 Nf3 d6 h3 O-O reinforces d4 against central tension. Both paths preserve White's modest theoretical edge while avoiding early tactical complications.