King's Indian Defense

1. d4White establishes d4, controlling the center and preparing to build a large pawn structure.
2. Nf6Black develops Nf6, controlling e4 without committing pawns. A hypermodern approach.
3. c4White adds c4, expanding the center and preparing e4.
4. g6Black fianchettoes with g6, preparing to place the bishop on g7. Black lets White take space.
5. Nc3White develops Nc3, supporting the center.
6. Bg7The bishop goes to g7 — a powerful long-range piece that will exert pressure on White's center for the entire game.
7. e4White establishes the big center with e4. Three pawns on c4, d4, e4 control massive space.
8. d6Black plays d6, preparing e5 and keeping the center flexible.
9. Nf3White develops Nf3, completing a harmonious setup.
10. O-OBlack castles, tucking the king away before the central battle begins.
11. Be2White develops Be2, a solid but unassuming move that completes the kingside setup.
12. e5Black strikes back with e5 — the thematic King's Indian counter. This challenges White's center.
13. O-OWhite castles, and the position is ready for the decisive central battle.
14. Nc6Black develops Nc6, adding support to e5.
15. d5White advances d5, closing the center. This is the critical moment — the position splits into two separate battles: White on the queenside, Black on the kingside.

White plays f3 to prevent ...Ng4 and prepare a brutal kingside attack with g4. White often castles queenside and launches pawns at Black's king. Fischer called this variation dangerous and difficult to meet.

1. d4White plays d4, establishing a central pawn and preparing to build a large pawn center.
2. Nf6Black develops Nf6, a hypermodern reply — fighting for e4 without yet committing pawns.
3. c4White plays c4, expanding the center and preparing e4. Both pawns together will claim a massive space advantage.
4. g6Black plays g6, signaling the King's Indian setup. The pawn prepares the fianchetto of the dark-squared bishop.
5. Nc3White develops Nc3, supporting the center.
6. Bg7Black completes the fianchetto with Bg7 — the King's Indian bishop is placed on its ideal square, where it will pressure White's center.
7. e4White plays e4, establishing the massive three-pawn center on c4, d4, e4. Black now must attack this center or be squeezed.
8. d6Black plays d6, a key preparatory move — supporting a future ...e5 pawn break and keeping the center flexible.
9. f3The Sämisch! White plays f3, preventing ...Ng4 and preparing g4-g5. This signals aggressive intentions on the kingside.
10. O-OBlack castles, tucking the king in. Despite the dangerous-looking position, Black's setup is resilient.
11. Be3White develops Be3, supporting d4 and preparing queenside castling. The idea is to castle long and launch a kingside pawn storm.
12. e5Black strikes back with e5, the thematic King's Indian counterattack — challenging White's massive center directly.
13. Nge2White plays Nge2, avoiding the pin ...Bg4 and supporting d4. The knight will go to g3 or f4 to support the kingside attack.

White develops the bishop to g5 early, restraining Black's counterplay. The Bg5 prevents ...e5. Black typically counters with ...Na6-c5 to attack the c4 pawn.

1. d4White plays d4, establishing a central pawn.
2. Nf6Black develops Nf6, the hypermodern King's Indian approach — fighting for the center with pieces first.
3. c4White plays c4, building toward a large pawn center.
4. g6Black plays g6, preparing the fianchetto.
5. Nc3White develops Nc3, reinforcing the center.
6. Bg7Black plays Bg7, completing the fianchetto. The dragon bishop is now in place.
7. e4White plays e4, completing the massive three-pawn center.
8. d6Black plays d6, preparing ...e5 and supporting the center.
9. Be2White plays Be2, a solid developing move that prepares kingside castling.
10. O-OBlack castles, completing kingside development.
11. Bg5White plays Bg5, the Averbakh Variation's key move — pinning the f6 knight and preventing ...e5 for now. If Black plays ...e5 immediately, White wins material with Bxf6.
12. Na6Black plays Na6, a creative response — the knight heads to c5 to attack the c4 pawn and challenge White's setup.
13. Qd2White plays Qd2, preparing to castle queenside and connecting to the bishop on g5. White keeps the initiative and prepares long-range attacking plans.

White builds a massive pawn center with pawns on c4, d4, e4, and f4. A very aggressive try. Black must undermine this center quickly with ...c5 or the position becomes difficult.

1. d4White plays d4, the first step in building the aggressive four-pawn center.
2. Nf6Black develops Nf6, the King's Indian approach — fighting for e4 while allowing White to take space.
3. c4White plays c4, the second pawn in the center formation.
4. g6Black plays g6, setting up the fianchetto.
5. Nc3White develops Nc3, supporting the center.
6. Bg7Black completes the fianchetto with Bg7.
7. e4White plays e4, the third pawn in the center.
8. d6Black plays d6, preparing ...e5 and supporting the central pawn.
9. f4White plays f4, the Four Pawns Attack! Four pawns on c4, d4, e4, f4 — a massive spatial advantage. White wants to advance this center and crush Black.
10. O-OBlack castles, tucking the king away before the central battle.
11. Nf3White develops Nf3, completing development and supporting the center.
12. c5Black plays c5, the most principled response — immediately striking at the base of White's huge center. Black must attack this center or be smothered.
13. d5White plays d5, closing the center and claiming massive space. The position splits into a race: White advances on the queenside, Black on the kingside.