King's Indian Defense: Makogonov Variation

Before the first move

The King's Indian Defense is a hypermodern battle where Black invites White to build a massive center, only to strike back later. In the Makogonov Variation, White plays an early h3 to prevent any annoying pins on g4 and prepare for a potential kingside expansion. It is a strategic tug-of-war for the center of the board.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, the classic foundation for many positional openings. Black has several ways to respond, including the solid Queen's Gambit Declined or the more provocative Nimzo-Indian. Today, we focus on the King's Indian setup, which often begins with a knight jump to f6.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move controls the e4 and d5 squares, preventing White from immediately occupying the center with a second pawn. It is the hallmark of the Indian Defenses, keeping your options open for various pawn structures later.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, a move that defines the main lines of the Queen's Pawn Game. While White could try the London System with Bf4 or even the Trompowsky with Bg5, c4 is the most ambitious try for a central advantage, challenging Black to find a counter-lever.

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 · your move

Push your pawn to g6. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop on g7, where it will exert long-range pressure along the h8-a1 diagonal. This is the defining characteristic of the King's Indian and Grunfeld structures, prioritizing a strong defensive anchor.

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

3. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, the most direct way to prepare the e4 push. White could also try g3 for a Fianchetto Variation or the aggressive h4 Basman-Williams Attack. Nc3 is the classical approach, challenging Black to complete their development before the center is locked.

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 · your move

Fianchetto your bishop to g7. This bishop is your most important minor piece in this opening, providing a solid defense for your king and eyeing the center from a distance. It waits for the right moment to strike at White's d4 pawn.

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)

4. e4White

White plays e4, seizing the full center. White had alternatives like Nf3 or the Averbakh system with Bg5, but the four-pawn attack or classical setups with e4 are the most testing. You must now decide how to challenge this wall of pawns.

Other paths here: Bf4 (King's Indian: 4.Bf4) · Bg5 (King's Indian: 4.Bg5) · g3 (King's Indian: 4.g3) · Nf3 (King's Indian: 4.Nf3)

4... d6Black · your move

Move your pawn to d6. This move stops White from pushing their e-pawn further and prepares to challenge the center with either e5 or c5. It also opens a path for your light-squared bishop and solidifies your control over the e5 square.

Other paths here: O-O (King's Indian: 4.e4 O-O)

5. h3White

White plays h3, the signature move of the Makogonov System. Instead of the standard Be2 or Nf3, White spends a tempo to secure the g4 square. You'll now have to choose between the flexible Nbd7 or the immediate strike in the center with e5.

Other paths here: Bg5 (King's Indian Defense: Accelerated Averbakh Variation) · Nge2 (King's Indian Defense: Kramer Variation) · Bd3 (King's Indian: 4.e4 d6 5.Bd3) · g3 (King's Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Deferred Fianchetto)

Where you stand

The position is a typical King's Indian struggle where White has more space and Black has long-term attacking prospects. White will likely develop the kingside and look for queenside expansion, while Black usually prepares the e5 or c5 break to challenge the center. Both sides must be careful, as the game can become very sharp very quickly.

• b8-d7 Develop the knight to support e5
• e7-e5 Strike at the center with e5
• f1-e2 Develop the bishop and prepare castling
• g1-f3 Bring the knight to its natural square
• e8-g8 Get the king to safety immediately