King's Indian defence

The King's Indian Defence arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6. ECO codes: E60–E99.

History

The King's Indian gained respectability from the mid-1930s onward, primarily through Soviet players. "The analysis and play of three strong Soviet players in particular—Alexander Konstantinopolsky, Isaac Boleslavsky, and David Bronstein—helped to make the defence much more respected and popular."

Main Lines & Variations

After 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6, White's fifth move determines the system:

• 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Be2 e5 – The Classical Variation, featuring the famous Mar del Plata attack where White attacks queenside (c4–c5) while Black launches kingside pawn storms.

• 5.f3 – The Sämisch Variation, creating a secure centre and enabling aggressive play.

• 5.f4 – The Four Pawns Attack, the most aggressive approach.

• 3.Nf3 Bg7 4.g3 – The Fianchetto Variation, popular at grandmaster level.

Key Positions

After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 – Black prepares the kingside fianchetto.

Strategic Themes & Plans

Black allows White to build a strong centre, then counterattacks with ...e5 (Classical) or ...c5 (Benoni-like). The bishop on g7 is the cornerstone of the defence, exerting long-diagonal pressure. World champions Kasparov, Fischer, and Tal championed this opening. Modern practitioners include Nakamura, Radjabov, and Ding Liren. Vladimir Kramnik's strong play against it reduced its popularity in the 2000s, but it remains a major weapon at all levels.