ECO A07 · Best studied as White
King's Indian Attack
- Central
- Attacking
- Solid
What is the King's Indian Attack?
The King's Indian Attack is a flexible, universal setup where White focuses on a solid kingside fianchetto before deciding on a central plan. It allows you to sidestep heavy opening theory while aiming for a powerful middlegame squeeze or a kingside assault.
1. Nf3 d5 2. g3
The lesson
Play through the King's Indian Attack, move by move
Scroll the moves and watch the board follow along. Every move comes with the idea behind it.
1. Nf3 d5 2. g3
Before the first move
The King's Indian Attack is a flexible, universal setup where White focuses on a solid kingside fianchetto before deciding on a central plan. It allows you to sidestep heavy opening theory while aiming for a powerful middlegame squeeze or a kingside assault. Black usually takes space in the center, leading to a rich strategic battle.
1. Nf3White · your move
Develop your knight to f3. This flexible move controls the center and prevents Black from immediately pushing a pawn to e5. By starting with the knight, you keep your options open for several different pawn structures while preparing to castle quickly.
1... d5Black
Black replies with d5, taking a stake in the center. While Nf6 is the most common alternative, leading to the Arctic Defense, other aggressive tries like f5 for a Dutch-style setup or the offbeat Nc6 Mustang Defense are also possible. The d5 move remains the most direct way to challenge White's flexibility.
Other paths here: f6 (Zukertort Opening: Arctic Defense) · h6 (Zukertort Opening: Basman Defense) · Nc6 (Zukertort Opening: Black Mustang Defense) · f5 (Zukertort Opening: Dutch Variation)
2. g3White · your move
Push your pawn to g3. This move prepares to fianchetto your bishop on g2, where it will exert long-range pressure along the h1-a8 diagonal. This is the defining characteristic of the King's Indian Attack, signaling your intent to build a solid kingside fortress.
Other paths here: b3 (Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation) · e3 (Reti: 1...d5 2.e3) · b4 (Reti: Santasiere's folly) · e4 (Reti: Tennison/Zukertort Gambit)
Where you stand
The opening has transitioned into a King's Indian Attack. White will follow up with Bg2, d3, and O-O, often aiming for an e4 pawn break later. Black should develop naturally with Nf6 and c6 or e6, seeking to maintain a solid central presence while preparing to meet White's eventual expansion on either flank.
- f1-g2 Fianchetto the bishop to control the diagonal
- e1-g1 Secure the king behind the fianchetto
- g8-f6 Develop the knight and control e4
- c7-c6 Bolster the d5 pawn against pressure
Your games
Related King's Indian Attack lines
- A05King's Indian Attack: Smyslov Variation1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. b4
- A05King's Indian Attack: Spassky Variation1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 b5
- A05King's Indian Attack: Symmetrical Defense1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 g6
- A07King's Indian Attack: Double Fianchetto1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 g6
- A07King's Indian Attack: Keres Variation1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 Bg4
- A07King's Indian Attack: Omega-Delta Gambit1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 e5
- A07King's Indian Attack: Sicilian Variation1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5
- A08King's Indian Attack: French Variation1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6
- A07Hungarian Opening: Wiedenhagen-Beta Gambit1. g3 d5 2. Nf3 g5
Free game review
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