King's Indian: 5.Be2 c5

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 this Gligoric-style setup, White develops solidly with Be2, preparing to meet Black's central challenges with flexible piece play and a strong grip on space.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4. This takes control of the center and opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the most classical way to start a game, aiming for long-term spatial dominance and a structured strategic battle.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the most popular response to d4. This knight jump controls e4 and d5 while keeping the position flexible. Other tries like the Englund Gambit or the solid Horwitz Defense with e6 lead to very different types of games.

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. 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 hallmark of the 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 chooses g6, preparing to house the bishop on the long diagonal. This hypermodern approach is the starting point for the King's Indian. Alternatives like e6 would lead toward the Nimzo-Indian or Queen's Indian, while Nc6 leads to the Mexican Defense.

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 is the most natural square for the knight, supporting the d5 and e4 squares. You are preparing to complete your central pawn duo by pushing e4 on the very next move.

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 continues the plan with Bg7. This bishop will be a monster on the h8-a1 diagonal. If Black had played d5 instead, we would have entered the Gruenfeld Defense, a much more forcing and concrete opening battle.

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 successfully built the 'Big Center'. With pawns on c4, d4, and e4, you have a significant space advantage and have restricted Black's pieces. Now you must decide how to develop your kingside.

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 that prevents e4-e5. While castling immediately is also possible, d6 is the most precise way to handle the center. It sets the stage for Black's typical counter-attacks against White's pawn wall.

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

5. Be2White · your move

Develop your bishop to e2. This modest-looking move is actually very sophisticated. It prepares castling and keeps your options open. Unlike the more aggressive Bd3, this bishop defends the g4-square and stays out of the way of your other pieces.

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... c5Black

Black strikes with c5, a sharp and provocative move. This challenges the center immediately. While castling or playing e5 are more traditional, c5 forces White to make a decision about the d4-pawn, often leading to Benoni-style structures.

Other paths here: e5 (King's Indian: 5.Be2 e5) · Nbd7 (King's Indian: 5.Be2 Nbd7) · O-O (King's Indian: 5.Be2 O-O)

Where you stand

The position is a tense strategic standoff. White usually responds by pushing d5, leading to a closed center where White attacks on the queenside while Black seeks counterplay on the kingside. Both sides must balance their development with the looming pawn tension in the center, as one mistimed move can allow the opponent's pieces to flood in.

• d4-d5 Gaining space and closing the center
• g1-f3 Developing the knight and preparing castling
• e8-g8 Securing the king before the center opens
• g7-b2 Applying pressure along the long diagonal