4.e3: the quiet line is variation 4 of 5 in the Queen's Indian Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO E12). It runs 19 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. e3 Bb7 …. White keeps it simple with e3, a bishop on d3 and castling. Black takes e4 under control with the b7 bishop and a pawn on d5. Both sides develop calmly, and Black has an easy game. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... Nf6 – Black develops and watches e4.
2. c4 – White gains space.
2... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop.
3. Nf3 – White develops and avoids the pin on c3.
3... b6 – The Queen's Indian. The bishop will fight for e4.
4. e3 – A quiet move. White plans to put the bishop on d3 and castle.
4... Bb7 – Black takes control of e4.
5. Bd3 – The bishop also aims at e4 and at h7.
5... d5 – Black takes a firm place in the centre.
6. O-O – White castles.
6... Bd6 – An active square. The bishop aims at h2.
7. b3 – White gets ready to put the bishop on b2.
7... O-O – Black castles.
8. Bb2 – The bishop goes to the long diagonal.
8... Nbd7 – Black gets ready to push the c-pawn to c5 or the e-pawn to e5.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
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