King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c5

Before the first move

Enter the strategic world of the King's Indian Defense where White establishes a massive central presence while Black prepares a hypermodern counterattack. This variation features an early strike at the center with the c5 pawn, leading to sharp, asymmetrical positions where both sides fight for the initiative immediately.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims the center, opens lines for your queen and bishop, and dictates the pace of the game. It is the foundation of many complex strategic battles where controlling the d5 and e5 squares becomes your primary goal.

1... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most popular and flexible reply to d4. By developing the knight, Black maintains a grip on the e4 square. While alternatives like e6 (the Horwitz Defense) or d5 are common, this knight move is the starting point for all Indian Defenses.

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

2. c4White · your move

Advance your pawn to c4. You are building a powerful pawn duo in the center that cramps Black's space and prepares to develop your knight behind the pawn. This move signals your intention to play the most ambitious lines of the Queen's Pawn game.

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, signaling a hypermodern approach. Rather than occupying the center with pawns, Black intends to control it from a distance. You might also see e6 leading to the Queen's Indian or c5 leading to the Benoni, but g6 is the most aggressive choice.

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

Bring your knight to c3. This move reinforces your control over the d5 and e4 squares and develops a piece toward the center. You are preparing for a full central occupation while challenging Black's kingside intentions before they can fully castle.

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... c5Black

Black plays c5, a sharp and provocative thrust. Instead of the more common d5 (the Grünfeld) or Bg7 (the King's Indian), Black seeks to disrupt White's center right away. You must now decide how to handle the tension on d4, as the game enters highly tactical territory.

Other paths here: d5 (Grünfeld Defense) · Bg7 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 Bg7) · c6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c6) · d6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 d6)

Where you stand

The position is now a Benoni-style structure where White usually pushes d5 to gain space. White will look to expand on the queenside or the center with e4, while Black will fianchetto the bishop on g7 and seek counterplay on the queenside or through the e6 break. Both sides must navigate the resulting pawn tension carefully.

• d4-d5 Gain space and cramp Black's position
• f8-g7 Fianchetto the bishop for long-range pressure
• e2-e4 Build a massive three-pawn center
• e7-e6 Challenge the d5 pawn wedge