King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation

Before the first move

The King's Indian Defense is a dynamic, hypermodern opening where Black allows White to build a massive pawn center, only to strike back later. In the Orthodox Variation with Be2, White chooses a solid, classical setup that prepares for a kingside castle while maintaining a powerful grip on the central squares.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, a move that signals a preference for positional play and central control. You will often see this lead to the Queen's Gambit or various Indian systems depending on how Black chooses to respond.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move prevents White from immediately playing e4 and keeps your options open. You are ready to transition into several different defensive structures depending on White's next move.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, expanding their central influence. This is the main line, though White could also try the London System with Bf4 or even the Tartakower Attack with g3 to fianchetto the king's bishop early.

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 to 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 defenses.

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, increasing the pressure on d5. This is the most natural developing move. White could also delay this with g3 for a Fianchetto Variation or try the aggressive h4 Basman-Williams Attack.

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 piece is the soul of your position, providing defense for your king and eyeing the center from a distance. It will be your most important attacker in the middlegame.

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 seizes the center with e4. This is the critical moment where the King's Indian truly begins. White could instead try quieter lines like Nf3 or the Averbakh system starting with Bg5, but e4 is the most direct challenge.

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 solidifies your control over e5 and prevents White from pushing their e-pawn further. It also opens a path for your light-squared bishop to enter the game.

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

5. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, continuing natural development. Other aggressive options include the Makogonov with h3 or the Samisch Variation with f3, but Nf3 leads to the most deeply studied and classical positions.

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 · your move

Castle your king to safety. By moving your king to g8 and rook to f8, you complete your initial kingside development. Your king is now tucked behind a wall of pawns and your powerful bishop.

Other paths here: Bg4 (King's Indian: 5.Nf3 Bg4) · c5 (King's Indian: 5.Nf3 c5) · Nbd7 (King's Indian: 5.Nf3 Nbd7)

6. Be2White

White plays Be2, the signature move of the Orthodox system. White chooses a solid path over the sharper Larsen Variation with Be3 or the Zinnowitz with Bg5. The stage is now set for Black's central counter-strike.

Other paths here: Be3 (King's Indian Defense: Larsen Variation) · Bg5 (King's Indian Defense: Zinnowitz Variation) · Bd3 (King's Indian: 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3) · h3 (King's Indian: 5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3)

Where you stand

The position is now a classic battle of space versus activity. White will likely castle and look to expand on the queenside or push d5 to lock the center. Black's primary plan involves the e5 pawn break, followed by a potential kingside pawn storm or central pressure using the g7 bishop.

• e7-e5 Challenge the center with e5
• e1-g1 Secure the king by castling
• c3-d5 Close the center with d5
• f8-e8 Support the e5 break with Re8