King's Indian: 3.Nf3

Before the first move

The King's Indian Defense is a hypermodern opening where Black allows White to build a massive center with the intention of attacking it later. By playing 3.Nf3, White develops naturally and keeps options open, avoiding the immediate complications of the Four Pawns Attack or the Sämisch Variation.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move stakes a claim in the center and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop, establishing a solid foundation for your queenside space.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, a flexible response that stops White from occupying the center with a second pawn. Black could also try the solid e6 (Horwitz Defense) or the aggressive Englund Gambit with e5, but the knight move is the most respected and versatile choice.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4. By adding this second pawn to the center, you increase your control over the d5-square and prepare to develop your knight behind the pawn to c3.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... g6Black

Black chooses g6, signaling the King's Indian or Grünfeld setups. Other choices like e6 would lead to the Queen's Indian, while the Mexican Defense with Nc6 offers a more unusual piece-based challenge to White's center.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move controls the center and prepares for kingside castling. It is a flexible choice that delays the decision of where to put your other pieces.

Other paths here: d5 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Advance Variation) · f3 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Alekhine Variation) · h4 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Basman-Williams Attack) · g3 (King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Immediate Fianchetto)

Where you stand

The position is a standard King's Indian setup where both sides have completed their first phase of development. White will likely continue with Nc3 and e4 to dominate the center, while Black will fianchetto the bishop and prepare a counter-strike with either d6 and e5 or the Grünfeld-style d5.

• f8-g7 Fianchetto the bishop to the long diagonal
• b1-c3 Develop the knight to support the center
• e2-e4 Establish a full pawn center
• e8-g8 Secure the king behind the fianchetto