King's Indian: 3.Nc3 Bg7

Before the first move

The King's Indian Defense is a hypermodern battleground where Black allows White to build a massive center with the intention of tearing it down later. White gains space and control, while Black prepares a powerful fianchettoed bishop on g7 to strike from a distance. It leads to some of the most complex and aggressive games in chess.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4 to claim the center and open lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. This move immediately establishes a presence in the heart of the board and is the foundation for many solid and aggressive systems.

1... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most popular and flexible reply. By developing the knight, Black prevents a quick e2-e4 expansion. While alternatives like the English Defense with b6 or the solid Horwitz Defense with e6 are possible, this knight move is the gold standard for hypermodern play.

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

2. c4White · your move

Push your c-pawn to c4 to reinforce your control over the d5 square and prepare to develop your knight behind it. This move characterizes the Queen's Pawn openings, gaining space on the queenside and preparing a broad central front.

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 to tuck the bishop onto the long diagonal. This move distinguishes the King's Indian and Grunfeld setups from the Queen's Indian, where Black might play b6 instead. It is a provocative choice that invites White to take more space.

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

3. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3 to put maximum pressure on the d5 and e4 squares. This move supports your central pawns and prepares for a full e2-e4 thrust, which would give you a classical 'big center' against Black's hypermodern setup.

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 stage is now set for a classic confrontation. Black could have diverted into the Grunfeld Defense with an immediate d5, but by placing the bishop on g7 first, they commit to the deep strategic complexities of the King's Indian.

Other paths here: d5 (Grünfeld Defense) · c5 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c5) · c6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c6) · d6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 d6)

Where you stand

The game has reached its first major crossroads. White usually continues with e4 to create a massive central wall, while Black will look to strike back with d6 followed by either e5 or c5. White's space advantage provides attacking chances on the queenside, whereas Black often launches a legendary kingside pawn storm to hunt the White king.

• e2-e4 Seize the full center with e4
• d7-d6 Solidify d6 to prepare central strikes
• g1-f3 Develop the knight to support d4
• e8-g8 Castle kingside to secure the king