King's Indian Attack: French Variation

Before the first move

The King's Indian Attack is a flexible system where White builds a solid wall and prepares for a kingside onslaught. In this French Variation, Black takes early control of the center with d5 and c5, setting the stage for a classic duel between space and strategic maneuvering.

1. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move controls the center and prepares for a quick kingside castle while keeping your options open for several different setups. It is the cornerstone of the Reti and the King's Indian Attack systems.

1... d5Black

Black plays d5, establishing a firm central foothold. While Nf6 is the most popular alternative for a more flexible defense, d5 is the hallmark of the Classical and French-style systems. Other rare tries like f5 or Nc6 lead to very different pawn structures and tactical themes.

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 prepares to fianchetto your bishop on g2, where it will exert long-range pressure along the h1-a8 diagonal. This is a key step in building the King's Indian Attack structure.

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)

2... c5Black

Black replies with c5, expanding in the center and creating a formidable pawn front. This is the most ambitious response, though Nf6 and g6 are also very common. By choosing c5, you are inviting a complex battle where you hold the space advantage while White seeks to undermine it.

Other paths here: g6 (King's Indian Attack: Double Fianchetto) · Bg4 (King's Indian Attack: Keres Variation) · e5 (King's Indian Attack: Omega-Delta Gambit) · Nc6 (Reti: KIA)

3. Bg2White · your move

Fianchetto your bishop to g2. From this outpost, your bishop radiates power across the board, eyeing the d5 square and supporting your future central breaks. This completes the first stage of your kingside development.

3... Nc6Black

Black plays Nc6, developing naturally and reinforcing the center. While Nf6 is a very common alternative to prepare kingside castling, Nc6 focuses on immediate central control. The position is now a classic King's Indian Attack vs. French structure, where both sides have clear goals.

Other paths here: Nf6 (Reti: KIA, 2...c5 3.Bg2 Nf6) · g6 (Reti: KIA, 2...c5 + 3...g6)

Where you stand

The opening phase is complete with White ready to castle and Black holding a strong central presence. White will typically play d3 followed by Nbd2 and e4 to challenge the center. Black should focus on developing the kingside with Nf6 and e6, preparing to meet White's central break while utilizing the space on the queenside.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure your king
• d2-d3 Prepare the d3 and e4 central break
• g8-f6 Develop the knight to prepare castling
• c5-c4 Gain more queenside space with c4