King's Indian: 3.Nc3 d6

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 counterattacking it later. White seeks spatial dominance and a direct kingside assault, while Black prepares a fianchettoed bishop on g7 to strike back at the heart of the White position.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims the center immediately and opens pathways for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation for many solid and aggressive systems, establishing a foothold in the middle of the board.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, a classic hypermodern response that controls e4 without committing a pawn yet. While Black could try the Englund Gambit with e5 or the Horwitz Defense with e6, this knight move is the most respected and strategically deep choice at the top level.

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 move increases your control over the d5-square and prepares to develop your knight behind the pawn. It signals that you are building a classical large center to squeeze Black's position.

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 the intent to play a King's Indian Defense. Other options like e6 would lead toward a Queen's Indian or Nimzo-Indian, but g6 prepares a fortress for the king and a powerful attacking piece on the g7-square.

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. This is the most natural square for the knight, putting direct pressure on d5 and e4. You are reinforcing your central control and preparing to push e4 yourself to complete the big center.

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... d6Black

Black replies d6, choosing the King's Indian over the Grunfeld Defense, which would have started with d5. By playing d6, Black prepares to eventually strike at the center with e5 or c5, while keeping the position flexible and resilient.

Other paths here: d5 (Grünfeld Defense) · Bg7 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 Bg7) · c5 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c5) · c6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c6)

Where you stand

The stage is set for a classic battle of space versus activity. White will likely play e4 to create a massive pawn center, while Black will finish the fianchetto with Bg7 and castle. The long-term plan for White involves a queenside expansion or a central breakthrough, while Black often aims for a thematic f5 pawn break to start a kingside attack.

• c3-e4 Support the e4 pawn push
• f8-g7 Complete the kingside fianchetto
• g1-f3 Develop the knight to f3
• e8-g8 Castle kingside for safety
• f6-e5 Prepare the e5 central strike