12 Feb 05
Originally posted by gambiterNimzowitsh made up that name he called all at that time strange defences for black against d4 indian openings. He probably called it kings indian because black playes on the kingside in this opening.
Does anyone know how the KID got it's name?
Thanks!
12 Feb 05
I think what gambiteer means is why call it an INDIAN defense. Why Indian? I can find no reference to why this should be so. Did it have it's earliest known roots in India? Is it because you move your horsie first, and cowboys ride 'em and fight indians? Why why why?
12 Feb 05
1 edit
I think the "Indian" in the Indian openings comes because the double pawn move did not exist in the Indian version of chess (many amateur Indian players do not play the double pawn move even today); hence the only way to free a Bishop without blocking the other one was to fianchetto it. Hence, opening with one or both bishops fianchetto-ed are called Indian openings.
Edit: Yes, I think it's Indian as in "from India", and not West Indian / American Indian.
12 Feb 05
Originally posted by lucifershammerWow! That's pretty amazing! Maybe I'll take up that opening!
I think the "Indian" in the Indian openings comes because the double pawn move did not exist in the Indian version of chess (many amateur Indian players do not play the double pawn move even today); hence the only way to free a Bishop without blocking the other one was to fianchetto it. Hence, opening with one or both bishops fianchetto-ed are calle ...[text shortened]...
Edit: Yes, I think it's Indian as in "from India", and not West Indian / American Indian.
🙂