Queen's pawn - Keres defence

The Keres Defence arises after 1.d4 e6 2.c4 b6. ECO code: A40.

Overview

Named after Estonian GM Paul Keres. Black combines ...e6 with an early ...b6, planning a queenside fianchetto. The position can transpose into the Queen\'s Indian Defence after ...Nf6.

Strategic Themes & Plans

Black aims for a Bb7 setup with pressure on the long diagonal. The early ...b6 without ...Nf6 gives Black specific options such as ...Bb4+ or ...Ba6, targeting the c4-pawn. White should develop naturally and maintain central control.