King's Indian: 4.e4 d6 5.g3 O-O

Before the first move

The King's Indian Defense is a hypermodern battle where Black allows White to build a massive center, only to strike back later with pawn breaks. In this specific variation, White adopts a solid fianchetto setup with g3, aiming for long-term control rather than an immediate, risky kingside attack.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims central space and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many strategic systems where you look to control the tempo from the very first move.

1... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most popular way to enter Indian Defense territory. By choosing this over the Englund Gambit or the solid e6, Black remains ready to adapt. Other choices like the Benoni-style c5 or the quirky g5 are much rarer and riskier.

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

2. c4White · your move

Move your pawn to c4. By placing a second pawn in the center, you increase your control over the d5-square and prepare to develop your knight behind the pawn. This is the standard follow-up to d4 in most queen's pawn openings.

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 King's Indian. This is a sharp alternative to the Queen's Indian with b6 or the Nimzo-Indian with e6. Black is happy to let White take the center in exchange for a dynamic, counter-attacking setup later.

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 move puts pressure on the d5 and e4 squares, supporting your central pawns. It is a natural developing move that prepares for a full central occupation with e4.

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. White now has a big decision to make about the center. While Black could have pivoted into a Grünfeld Defense with d5, this bishop development stays true to the King's Indian spirit.

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 · your move

Push your pawn to e4. You have now established a classical broad pawn center. This move grabs even more space and restricts Black's pieces, daring your opponent to find a way to break your formation.

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

Black plays d6, a necessary stabilizing move. Without this, White's e-pawn could become a battering ram. Black could also castle immediately, but d6 is the most precise way to handle White's central dominance before committing the king.

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

5. g3White · your move

Push your pawn to g3. You are preparing to fianchetto your own bishop to g2. This creates a very solid king position and provides an extra layer of defense for your center, leading to a more positional battle.

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) · h3 (King's Indian Defense: Makogonov Variation)

5... O-OBlack

Black castles, tucking the king behind the solid g7 bishop. The stage is set: White has the space, but Black is ready to strike. The main battle will now revolve around whether White can maintain the center or if Black can successfully undermine it.

Where you stand

The position is balanced but rich with tension. White will finish development with Bg2 and Nf3, aiming to use the space advantage to squeeze Black. Black's primary plan is to challenge the center with the c5 or e5 pawn breaks, often leading to complex tactical skirmishes where the long-range power of the g7 bishop becomes the deciding factor.

• f1-g2 Fianchetto the bishop to solidify the kingside
• g1-f3 Develop the knight to control the center
• c7-c5 Strike at the d4 pawn with c5
• e7-e5 Challenge the center with the e5 break
• c1-e3 Develop the bishop to support the center