Play Black · 20 chapters

King’s Indian Defense

Counterplay instead of passive defence of a large centre. Learn when ...e5 justifies a storm and when fianchetto or exchanges require another plan.

Practise repertoire

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Idea and repertoire boundaries

The King’s Indian allows White a c4-d4-e4 centre, which Black attacks with ...e5 or ...c5. The course covers Classical, Sämisch, Four Pawns, Averbakh, Makogonov and Fianchetto systems. ...g6/...Bg7 alone does not always mean a KID: without c4 or with early e4 without d4 a different family may arise. The last chapter explicitly treats the London as a deviation.

White’s plan

White uses space and develops without permitting effective counterplay. In the Mar del Plata the plan often targets the queenside; the Bayonet uses early b4 and the Sämisch Be3/Qd2 with a possible h-pawn attack. g3 strengthens the king and changes the value of ...f5. The Four Pawns aims for central superiority but needs development time.

Black’s plan

Black develops and chooses a central break. With a closed e5-d5 centre, ...f5-f4 and ...g5 may work after the knights regroup. Against fianchetto, ...Nc5, ...c5 or ...Rb8/...b5 can be stronger. In the Exchange, queens disappear and the storm plan must be abandoned. Match the plan to the centre, not the opening’s aggressive reputation.

Structures and pawn breaks

After ...e5 d5 the centre is closed and permits longer manoeuvres. dxe5 dxe5 opens the d-file, while ...exd4 Nxd4 gives pieces new squares. ...c5 d5 creates a Benoni-like structure with c4/d5, ...b5 and ...e6 as key factors. After ...fxe6 or ...gxf5, Black’s king has different cover from a position with f7. Each recapture changes the attack assessment.

Move order and tactics

Calculate sacrifices on e4, Bg7 pressure, attacks on h3/g4 and ...f5 breaks. Do not play ...g5 merely because a Mar del Plata chapter ends that way. White may open the centre or exchange Bg7 with Bh6. In the ...b5 gambit, activity must justify the pawn; trading all active pieces may destroy compensation.

Transition to the middlegame and endgame

In a closed position compare the speed of both attacks and the least active piece’s route. After a queen trade centralise the king and contest open files. Bg7 may be restricted by e5/d4 yet become the strongest piece after a central break. Trading it requires evaluating the dark squares around the king. Weak d6 matters especially when active counterplay disappears.

How to train this course

Practise the Mar del Plata alongside the Exchange: the contrast prevents the most common autopilot error. Then add the Sämisch and Fianchetto, which change attacking plans. Leave the Four Pawns and ...b5 gambit for later. After every tabiya identify whether the centre is open or closed, White’s plan and whether your king can tolerate opening files. Only then choose a pawn advance.

Annotated variations

SAN: N — knight, B — bishop, R — rook, Q — queen, K — king.

1. Mar del Plata — two wings and a closed centre

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. Ne1 Nd7 10. Be3 f5 11. f3 f4 12. Bf2 g5

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
7... Nc6
...Nc6 invites d5 and a closed centre. Only after ...Ne7 and the knight regrouping can Black launch ...f5-f4 and ...g5.
12... g5
White plays on the queenside and Black near the king. Both attacks need time; ...g4 may open a file, but White can reach c7 first. The closed d/e centre justifies the attack, not the opening name.
FENr1bq1rk1/pppnn1bp/3p4/3Pp1p1/2P1Pp2/2N2P2/PP2BBPP/R2QNRK1 w - - 0 13

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2. Bayonet Attack — fast b4

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. b4 Nh5 10. Re1 f5 11. Ng5 Nf6 12. Bf3

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
9. b4
b4 immediately starts White’s expansion. ...Nh5 supports ...f5 and may question a bishop, but Ng5 targets e6/f7.
12. Bf3
Bf3 reinforces the centre and diagonal. Black must compare ...f4 with central play; an automatic g-pawn storm may be too slow against b5/c5.
FENr1bq1rk1/ppp1n1bp/3p1np1/3PppN1/1PP1P3/2N2B2/P4PPP/R1BQR1K1 b - - 3 12

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3. Petrosian — early d5 and restraining the attack

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. d5 a5 8. Bg5 h6 9. Be3 Na6 10. Nd2 Nc5 11. O-O

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
7. d5
d5 closes the centre before White castles. ...a5 prepares c5 and restrains b4, while ...Na6-c5 activates the knight.
11. O-O
Not every King’s Indian plan requires immediate ...f5. First assess Bxc5 and pressure on e4; h6 is also a possible target.
FENr1bq1rk1/1pp2pb1/3p1npp/p1nPp3/2P1P3/2N1B3/PP1NBPPP/R2Q1RK1 b - - 5 11

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4. Exchange — no automatic pawn storm

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. dxe5 dxe5 8. Qxd8 Rxd8 9. Bg5 Re8 10. Nd5 Nxd5 11. cxd5 c6 12. dxc6 Nxc6

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
7. dxe5
dxe5 and the queen exchange completely change the task. The standard queen-supported f5-f4-g5 attack is no longer the plan.
12... Nxc6
...Nxc6 actively develops the remaining knight. Improve Bc8 and the rooks, watching d5/e5 weaknesses. The endgame needs activity, not pawn advances that surrender squares.
FENr1b1r1k1/pp3pbp/2n3p1/4p1B1/4P3/5N2/PP2BPPP/R3K2R w KQ - 0 13

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5. Gligoric — ...Ng4 and questioning the bishop

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. Be3 Ng4 8. Bg5 f6 9. Bh4 g5 10. Bg3 Nh6 11. d5 f5 12. exf5 Nxf5 13. Bd3

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
7... Ng4
...Ng4 attacks Be3 before White castles. ...f6 and ...g5 gain tempi but permanently weaken Black’s king.
13. Bd3
Nf5 pressures the centre, but Bd3 may exchange it. Assess the remaining dark squares after Bxf5 before calling the pawn advance a success.
FENrnbq1rk1/ppp3bp/3p4/3Ppnp1/2P5/2NB1NB1/PP3PPP/R2QK2R b KQ - 1 13

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6. Gligoric — ...Na6 and a central exchange

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. Be3 Na6 8. O-O Ng4 9. Bc1 exd4 10. Nxd4 Re8 11. h3 Nf6

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
7... Na6
...Na6 develops towards c5 without inviting d5 by ...Nc6. ...Ng4 gains a tempo on Be3 before Black changes the structure.
11... Nf6
After ...exd4 Nxd4 the centre is open. ...Re8 pressures e4 and the king needs shelter. Abandon the pawn-storm template from the closed Mar del Plata.
FENr1bqr1k1/ppp2pbp/n2p1np1/8/2PNP3/2N4P/PP2BPP1/R1BQ1RK1 w - - 1 12

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7. Classical — ...Nbd7 and c5

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 Nbd7 7. O-O e5 8. d5 Nc5 9. Qc2 a5 10. Be3 b6 11. Nd2 Ne8

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
6... Nbd7
...Nbd7 develops without ...Nc6 and prepares ...Nc5. ...a5 makes the knight harder to drive away with b4.
11... Ne8
...Ne8 frees the f-pawn for ...f5, but White may start b4/c5. The manoeuvre needs central defence and bishop coordination; do not retreat without a concrete continuation.
FENr1bqnrk1/2p2pbp/1p1p2p1/p1nPp3/2P1P3/2N1B3/PPQNBPPP/R4RK1 w - - 2 12

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8. Sämisch — 5.f3 and ...c6 counterplay

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 e5 7. d5 c6 8. Qd2 cxd5 9. cxd5 a6 10. Nge2 b5 11. a3 Nbd7

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
5. f3
f3 supports e4 and prepares Be3/Qd2 without ...Ng4. The price is taking f3 away from White’s knight.
11... Nbd7
...a6 and ...b5 seek counterplay before queenside castling. Watch Bh6 and the exchange of Bg7; afterward h4-h5 may be stronger.
FENr1bq1rk1/3n1pbp/p2p1np1/1p1Pp3/4P3/P1N1BP2/1P1QN1PP/R3KB1R w KQ - 1 12

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9. Sämisch — 6...c5 and an open centre

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 c5 7. Nge2 Nc6 8. Qd2 cxd4 9. Nxd4 Nxd4 10. Bxd4 Be6 11. Be2 Qa5 12. O-O Rfc8

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
6... c5
...c5 challenges d4 instead of creating an e5-d5 blockade. After the d4 exchange Black uses the c-file and rapid development.
12... Rfc8
...Rfc8 increases pressure on c3. White may trade bishops and develop Rc1; avoid queen-side pawn grabs with Qa5 without king safety.
FENr1r3k1/pp2ppbp/3pbnp1/q7/2PBP3/2N2P2/PP1QB1PP/R4RK1 w - - 5 13

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10. Sämisch Panno — ...a6, ...Rb8 and ...b5

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 Nc6 7. Nge2 a6 8. Qd2 Rb8 9. h4 b5 10. h5 e5 11. d5 Na5 12. b3 bxc4

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
7... a6
...a6 and ...Rb8 prepare ...b5 before White launches h4-h5. White’s pawn storm does not require passive defence.
12... bxc4
...bxc4 changes the queenside files. White must choose a recapture and Black must watch g6. Any exchange opening lines near a king needs a check calculation.
FEN1rbq1rk1/2p2pbp/p2p1np1/n2Pp2P/2p1P3/1PN1BP2/P2QN1P1/R3KB1R w KQ - 0 13

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11. Four Pawns — ...c5 and ...e6

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f4 O-O 6. Nf3 c5 7. d5 e6 8. dxe6 fxe6 9. Bd3 Nc6 10. O-O e5 11. f5

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
5. f4
f4 builds a huge centre but delays development. ...c5 and ...e6 attack d4/d5 before White stabilises the space advantage.
11. f5
After f5 the centre closes differently from the main KID. Black has the f-file and e4 pressure while White may play g4. Do not copy positions where the black f-pawn remains on f7.
FENr1bq1rk1/pp4bp/2np1np1/2p1pP2/2P1P3/2NB1N2/PP4PP/R1BQ1RK1 b - - 0 11

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12. Four Pawns — gambit play with ...b5

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f4 O-O 6. Nf3 c5 7. d5 b5 8. cxb5 a6 9. bxa6 Bxa6 10. Bxa6 Nxa6 11. O-O Nc7

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
7... b5
...b5 after c5 creates a wing gambit. Black offers a pawn for a/b files and faster minor-piece activity.
11... Nc7
After Nc7 the knight supports ...e6 and pressure on d5. White is a pawn up; compensation must come from activity. Do not trade strong Bg7 for a random pawn.
FENr2q1rk1/2n1ppbp/3p1np1/2pP4/4PP2/2N2N2/PP4PP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - 2 12

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13. Averbakh — 5.Be2 and Bg5

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bg5 c5 7. d5 e6 8. Qd2 exd5 9. exd5 Re8 10. Nf3 Bg4

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
6. Bg5
Be2 and Bg5 restrain ...e5 and ...f5. ...c5 chooses a counterattack on d4 rather than only kingside play.
10... Bg4
...Bg4 pins Nf3 to Qd2, while Re8 pressures the centre. First assess White’s king development and exchanges on f3; a g/h pawn storm is not the priority.
FENrn1qr1k1/pp3pbp/3p1np1/2pP2B1/2P3b1/2N2N2/PP1QBPPP/R3K2R w KQ - 3 11

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14. Averbakh — ...h6 and Na6-c5

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bg5 h6 7. Be3 e5 8. d5 Na6 9. Qd2 Nc5 10. f3 a5

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
6... h6
...h6 asks Bg5 to decide before ...e5 closes the centre. This move order changes control of important squares.
10... a5
...a5 stabilises Nc5 against b4. White may develop Ng1 via h3/f2 or e2; Black should assess ...Nh5-f4 and ...f5 without exposing h6.
FENr1bq1rk1/1pp2pb1/3p1npp/p1nPp3/2P1P3/2N1BP2/PP1QB1PP/R3K1NR w KQ a6 0 11

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15. Makogonov — 5.h3 and g4 control

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. h3 O-O 6. Be3 e5 7. d5 Nh5 8. g3 f5 9. exf5 gxf5 10. g4 Nf6

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
5. h3
h3 restrains ...Ng4 and leaves White a choice of Nf3 or Nge2. ...Nh5 and ...f5 must account for g4 with tempo against the knight.
10... Nf6
After ...gxf5 Black has e5/f5 pawns and a g-file but a weaker king. White can undermine f5; evaluate space together with king safety.
FENrnbq1rk1/ppp3bp/3p1n2/3Ppp2/2P3P1/2N1B2P/PP3P2/R2QKBNR w KQ - 1 11

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16. Smyslov — early Bg5

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Be3 e5 7. d5 Ng4 8. Bd2 f5 9. f3 Nf6 10. Bd3 O-O

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
5. Bg5
Bg5 applies pressure before Be2. ...h6 and ...Ng4 force more bishop decisions, but every pawn push leaves weak squares.
10... O-O
After castling Black can choose ...f4 or an exchange on e4. White has space and possible g4; calculate the f-file opening before launching a storm.
FENrnbq1rk1/ppp3b1/3p1npp/3Ppp2/2P1P3/2NB1P2/PP1B2PP/R2QK1NR w KQ - 3 11

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17. Classical Fianchetto — ...exd4 and ...Nc5

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. g3 O-O 5. Bg2 d6 6. O-O Nbd7 7. Nc3 e5 8. e4 Re8 9. h3 exd4 10. Nxd4 Nc5 11. Re1 a5

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
4... O-O
Bg2 strengthens the king and controls d5. The usual ...f5-f4 storm may be less effective; Black seeks pressure on e4.
11... a5
...a5 stabilises Nc5. Develop Bc8 and pressure e4/d4. Avoid trading Nc5 for a piece that does not threaten your plan.
FENr1bqr1k1/1pp2pbp/3p1np1/p1n5/2PNP3/2N3PP/PP3PB1/R1BQR1K1 w - a6 0 12

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18. Panno Fianchetto — an active b-file

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. g3 O-O 5. Bg2 d6 6. O-O Nc6 7. Nc3 a6 8. h3 Rb8 9. Be3 b5 10. Nd2 Bd7

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
7... a6
...a6 and ...Rb8 prepare ...b5 and activity rather than a direct attack on a fianchettoed king. ...Nc6 may be questioned by d5.
10... Bd7
...Bd7 connects the rooks and supports queenside play. If d5 closes the centre, consider ...Na5, ...c5 or ...Ne5; do not leave Nc6 without an answer.
FEN1r1q1rk1/2pbppbp/p1np1np1/1p6/2PP4/2N1B1PP/PP1NPPB1/R2Q1RK1 w - - 2 11

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19. Fianchetto — Yugoslav ...c5

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. Nc3 d6 6. Nf3 c5 7. O-O Nc6 8. d5 Na5 9. Nd2 a6 10. Qc2 Rb8 11. b3 b5

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
6... c5
...c5 invites d5 and a Benoni-like structure rather than ...e5. The knight can attack c4 from a5.
11... b5
...b5 undermines c4 and opens the queenside. White may play e4-e5; Bg7 activity and d6 safety should determine Black’s timing.
FEN1rbq1rk1/4ppbp/p2p1np1/nppP4/2P5/1PN3P1/P1QNPPBP/R1B2RK1 w - b6 0 12

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20. Against the London — no white c4

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 Bg7 4. e3 d6 5. h3 O-O 6. Be2 c5 7. O-O Qb6 8. b3 Nc6 9. c3 Bf5 10. Nbd2 Rac8

Why these moves? Annotations · 4
1. d4
d4 occupies the centre. The King’s Indian allows White to expand, then attacks the centre with pawns and pieces.
1... Nf6
...Nf6 controls e4 and develops before the fianchetto. Against sidelines choose a plan for the actual centre, not the defence’s name.
6... c5
Without White’s c4 this is not the classical King’s Indian. ...c5 and ...Qb6 pressure d4/b2 and force the London to respond.
10... Rac8
...Rac8 places a rook on a future open file. Assess ...cxd4 and ...e5; White may develop Nc4 or e4. Do not copy a storm from a closed e5-d5 centre.
FEN2r2rk1/pp2ppbp/1qnp1np1/2p2b2/3P1B2/1PP1PN1P/P2NBPP1/R2Q1RK1 w - - 3 11

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Check your understanding

When should you avoid routine ...f5-f4-g5?

When the centre is open, queens have been traded or White’s fianchetto changes the targets. The plan must arise from the position.

Why ...a5 in lines with Nc5?

It restrains b4, which could drive away the knight. It does not replace e5 defence or Bc8 development.

What changes after exchanging Bg7?

Black loses a major dark-square defender and a potentially strong piece after a central opening. Reassess king safety.

Scope and sources

MoveForge educational treatment. Names and initial sequences were cross-checked against public opening classifications; commentary and plan selection are original. These are 20 selected chapters, not every possible move or a claim to the latest engine theory.

2026-09-17