King's Indian: 3.Nf3 Bg7

Before the first move

The King's Indian Defense is a dynamic, hypermodern opening where Black allows White to build a massive center with the intention of attacking it later. White aims for space and central control, while Black focuses on a solid kingside fianchetto and rapid counter-attacks.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims central space immediately and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many closed and semi-closed systems, forcing Black to decide how they will contest the center.

1... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most flexible reply to d4. This prevents a quick e4 and marks the start of the Indian Defenses. While Black could play d5 for a Queen's Gambit or e6 for a Horwitz Defense, this knight move is the gold standard for hypermodern players.

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. This is the hallmark of the Queen's Pawn openings, gaining even more space and preparing to develop your knight behind the pawn. You are building a powerful central wedge that will be difficult for Black to dismantle.

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 plays g6, preparing the fianchetto. This is the defining move of the King's Indian and Grünfeld systems. Black could have chosen the Queen's Indian Accelerated with b6 or the Mexican Defense with Nc6, but g6 is the most aggressive way to challenge the long diagonal.

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 is a solid, flexible move that controls d4 and e5 while preparing for kingside castling. By delaying Nc3, you keep Black guessing whether you will enter the main lines or a more positional Fianchetto Variation.

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)

3... Bg7Black

Black completes the fianchetto with Bg7. The bishop is now a powerful 'sniper' piece. Black is ready to castle next. At this stage, Black could have diverted into a Neo-Grünfeld with d5, but Bg7 keeps the King's Indian spirit alive, preparing for the eventual e5 or c5 break.

Other paths here: d5 (Neo-Grünfeld Defense: with Nf3) · d6 (King's Indian: 3.Nf3 d6)

Where you stand

The stage is set for a classic King's Indian battle. White has a solid central presence and will likely continue with Nc3 and e4 to seize more space. Black will castle quickly and then look to strike back at the center, typically using the e5 or c5 pawn breaks to challenge White's dominance and open lines for the pieces.

• b1-c3 Develop the knight to its most natural square
• e2-e4 Establish a full classical pawn center
• e8-g8 Secure the king before starting central action
• d7-d6 Prepare the e5 break and support the center