French: KIA 2.d3 d5

Before the first move

The King's Indian Attack against the French Defense is a flexible setup where White avoids the main lines of the French to build a solid, kingside-focused structure. You'll focus on a slow buildup, often fianchettoing the light-squared bishop, while Black aims to challenge the center and expand on the queenside.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This classic opening move claims space in the center and opens pathways for both your queen and light-squared bishop. It is the most direct way to start the game and prepare for rapid development.

1... e6Black

Black replies with e6, signaling the French Defense. Instead of meeting e4 with the symmetrical e5 or the sharp Sicilian c5, Black chooses a rock-solid foundation. Other rare tries like the Barnes f6 or the Borg g5 are far less reliable than this classical choice.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. d3White · your move

Push your pawn to d3. This move characterizes the King's Indian Attack, choosing a closed and flexible structure over the more common d4. You are preparing to develop your knight to d2 and eventually fianchetto your bishop on g2.

Other paths here: b4 (French Defense: Banzai-Leong Gambit) · Bb5 (French Defense: Bird Invitation) · Qe2 (French Defense: Chigorin Variation) · b3 (French Defense: Horwitz Attack)

2... d5Black

Black strikes back with d5, the thematic follow-up to e6. This creates immediate tension with the pawn on e4. While the Franco-Hiva Gambit with f5 is a sharp alternative, d5 is the most principled way to punish White for not playing the more aggressive d4.

Other paths here: f5 (French Defense: King's Indian Attack, Franco-Hiva Gambit)

Where you stand

The position is balanced and rich with strategic depth. White will typically develop with Nd2, g3, and Bg2 to prepare a kingside assault. Black should focus on developing the kingside pieces and preparing the typical c5 break to pressure White's center. Both sides must navigate the tension carefully as the game transitions from development to a middlegame struggle.

• b1-d2 Develop the knight to support e4
• g1-f3 Control the center and prepare castling
• c7-c5 Challenge the center with the c-pawn
• g8-f6 Develop the knight to a central square