King's Indian: 5.Be2 Nbd7

Before the first move

The King's Indian Defense is a hypermodern battleground where Black allows White to build a massive center, only to strike back later. In this Be2 system, White chooses a solid, classical setup, while Black's Nbd7 prepares a flexible counter-attack, often aiming for the e5 pawn break.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4 to claim immediate control of the center. This opening move opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop while preventing Black from easily placing a pawn on e5.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, the most popular move at this level. By avoiding an immediate d5, Black remains agile. Common alternatives include the English Defense with b6 or the sharp Englund Gambit with e5, though Nf6 is the most respected.

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 gains further space on the queenside and prepares to put pressure on the center. It also clears the way for your knight to reach its most natural home on c3.

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, signaling the King's Indian or Grunfeld structures. By preparing to develop the bishop on the flank, Black invites White to take the center. Alternatives like the Mexican Defense with Nc6 or the Queen's Indian with b6 are also possible.

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 aggressive development, putting direct pressure on the d5 and e4 squares. You are now fully prepared to push your e-pawn and establish a classical pawn duo in the 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... Bg7Black

Black completes the fianchetto with Bg7. The bishop now eyes the center. At this point, Black could also choose the Grunfeld with d5, leading to a much more forcing and tactical struggle, but Bg7 keeps the King's Indian spirit alive.

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 d4, c4, and e4, you have a significant space advantage and control over the most important squares in the middle of the board.

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 solid move that defines the King's Indian structure. By stopping e5, Black ensures the knight on f6 remains stable. Black often chooses to castle first, but d6 is a necessary step to stabilize the position.

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 for castling and keeps the bishop safe from future attacks, while avoiding the complications of the sharper Averbakh or Four Pawns Attack variations.

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... Nbd7Black

Black plays Nbd7, a flexible alternative to the main line O-O or the immediate c5. By delaying castling, Black keeps White guessing about the final setup. The knight on d7 is perfectly placed to support a central challenge.

Other paths here: c5 (King's Indian: 5.Be2 c5) · e5 (King's Indian: 5.Be2 e5) · O-O (King's Indian: 5.Be2 O-O)

Where you stand

The position is rich with strategic tension. White will likely castle and look to expand on the queenside or maintain the central bind. Black's main plan is to strike with e5, leading to a complex battle where White has the space, but Black has the potential for a powerful kingside attack.

• g1-f3 Develop the knight to f3 and castle.
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king.
• e7-e5 Strike at the center with e5.
• d7-c5 Maneuver the knight to pressure e4.
• c1-e3 Develop the bishop to support the center.