King's Indian: 5.Nf3 Nbd7

Before the first move

The King's Indian Defense is a dynamic, hypermodern battle where Black allows White to build a massive pawn center only to strike back later. In this specific line, Black uses a flexible knight development to d7, preparing central breaks while keeping the dark-squared bishop's long-range power in reserve.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims central space, controls e5, and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many strategic systems where you aim for a stable, long-term advantage.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, the most popular way to meet d4. This move controls the e4 square and prepares for a kingside fianchetto. While Black could try the Englund Gambit with e5 or the solid Horwitz Defense with e6, the knight move is the gold standard for flexibility.

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 reinforces your control over the d5 square and prepares to bring your knight out behind the pawn. You are building a classical pawn center that puts pressure on Black's position from the very start.

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 intent to play a King's Indian setup. By preparing to put the bishop on g7, Black is willing to let White take the center in exchange for future counterattacking chances. Alternatives like the Queen's Indian with b6 are also common here.

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 more pressure on the d5 and e4 squares and prepares to support a further central advance. Your knight is perfectly placed to control the heart of the board.

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 is now a long-range monster. Black has avoided the Grunfeld Defense by not playing d5 yet, opting instead for the pure King's Indian structure. Other moves like c5 or d6 are possible but less direct.

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 control a massive amount of space and restrict Black's pieces. This is the classical way to play against the King's Indian.

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. It prevents White's e-pawn from advancing further and prepares for development. While castling immediately is possible, d6 is the standard way to handle White's broad center before committing the king.

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

5. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move reinforces your center, prepares for kingside castling, and keeps your development balanced. You are ready to meet Black's counterplay with solid, active 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... Nbd7Black

Black chooses Nbd7, a very flexible move that delays castling to see how White will react. This setup often leads to a quick e5 strike. Black could also play the main line with O-O or challenge the center immediately with c5.

Other paths here: Bg4 (King's Indian: 5.Nf3 Bg4) · c5 (King's Indian: 5.Nf3 c5) · O-O (King's Indian: 5.Nf3 O-O)

Where you stand

The position is a classic King's Indian struggle. White has a space advantage and a strong center, while Black is ready to strike back with e5 or c5. White will likely develop the light-squared bishop and castle, while Black will castle and then begin the typical kingside expansion or central counterattack.

• f1-e2 Develop the bishop to prepare castling
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• e8-g8 Castle kingside to complete development
• d7-c5 Maneuver the knight to pressure d3 and e4
• e7-e5 Challenge the center with the e5 break