Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...Nf6/2. c4

=Indian Defence=

2. c4
2. c4 strengthens White's control of the center, particularly the important d5 square. It also allows White's queenside knight to develop to the active c3 square without blocking the c-pawn.

Black has a number of possibilities at this point:
 * /2...e6/ – This move is solid and flexible. Depending on how white plays, Black will end up in a Queen's Indian, Nimzo-Indian, Bogo-Indian, Queen's Gambit Declined, Benoni, or a Catalan.
 * /2...g6/ – This tends to be more aggressive (and riskier), though still solid if one knows the important strategic points. Black has the choice to move into a King's Indian Defence (KID) (regardless of white's play) or possibly a Grünfeld if White plays 3. Nc3 and Black wishes.
 * /2...c5/ – This will likely end up being a Benoni (often aggressive, risky), Benko Gambit (positional pawn sacrifice by Black on queenside), a symmetrical English (a bit quieter, but active pieces), or even a Tarrasch QGD (active for both sides).
 * /2...d6/ – This is the so-called "Old Indian," and it can either transpose into a KID or follow less popular lines with a strategy similar to the KID.
 * /2...e5/ – The Budapest Gambit. It has a unique character and often allows Black active play. White usually gives the pawn back eventually, and usually gets a slightly better position, but Black can do well against an unprepared opponent.
 * /2...d5/ – The Marshall Defence. This is not the best idea, though not an absolute trap. Several opening encyclopedias give this a clear advantage to White if played right.
 * 2...c6 – The rare Slav Indian, looking for a transposition to the Slav Defence. White typically allows this with 3. Nc3 or 3. Nf3, but can refuse with 3. Bf4.

Theory table
.

'''1. d4 Nf6 2. c4'''