FENrnbqk1nr/ppp1ppbp/3p2p1/8/2PP4/4PN2/PP3PPP/RNBQKB1R b KQkq -
Old Indian Defense: what should Black play?
Best move
Nd7+0.20
By playing Nd7, you are preparing a flexible setup. This knight supports a central strike with e5 while keeping the long diagonal open for your g7 to exert pressure on the center.
- Games played
- 902K
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.20
- Depth
- 25
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why Nd7 is the best move
Nd7! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 5 top moves — you found a master-level continuation!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing Nd7, you are preparing a flexible setup. This knight supports a central strike with e5 while keeping the long diagonal open for your g7 to exert pressure on the center.
Multiple Valid Strategies
This position is a strategic crossroads where five different approaches all maintain the balance.
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Nd7 | +0.20 | Flexible Development: Prepares e5 without blocking the g7. |
| Nf6 | +0.29 | Classical: The most common human response, challenging the center immediately. |
| Na6 | +0.31 | Hypermodern: Aiming for c5 or supporting queenside expansion. |
| Bf5 | +0.33 | Active Bishop: Developing the "bad" bishop outside the pawn chain early. |
| c5 | +0.34 | Counter-Strike: Directly challenging White's d4 to open the game. |
Different paths, same destination: While 28% of players instinctively choose the standard Nf6, your choice of Nd7 is actually the engine's favorite! It is a more sophisticated, positional approach that keeps White guessing about your central breaks.
Your Continuation
After Nd7:
Nc3 e5 Be2 Ne7 O-O
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the b8 needed a home that didn't obstruct your kingside defense but still prepared a challenge to White's d4:white stronghold.
📚 Takeaway: When multiple moves are "best," choose the one that fits your plan. You opted for flexibility over the obvious, which is a sign of great positional awareness!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 902K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | +0.29 | 686K | 48% | |
| Nd7Engine pick | +0.20 | 182K | 47% | |
| c5 | +0.34 | 33K | 50% | |
| Na6 | +0.31 | 0 | — | |
| Bf5 | +0.33 | 0 | — |
More positions in the Old Indian Defense
All Old Indian Defense positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Old Indian Defense?
Nd7 (+0.20). By playing Nd7, you are preparing a flexible setup. This knight supports a central strike with e5 while keeping the long diagonal open for your g7 to exert pressure on the center.
Why is Nd7 the best move here?
By playing Nd7, you are preparing a flexible setup. This knight supports a central strike with e5 while keeping the long diagonal open for your g7 to exert pressure on the center.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 902K times in the opening book.