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 center before attacking it. You'll focus on the Orthodox Variation, a classical battleground where White develops solidly and Black prepares a central counter-strike with the e5 pawn push.

1. d4White

White plays d4, the most common way to start a closed game. By occupying the center, White invites you to choose between the solid Queen's Gambit Declined or more aggressive Indian systems. You'll have to decide how much space you're willing to concede early on.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move prevents White from playing e4 immediately and keeps your options open. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop while staying ready to strike back at the center later.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, doubling down on central control and preparing the standard Nc3. White could try the London System with Bf4 or the Trompowsky with Bg5, but c4 is the most ambitious attempt to seize a space advantage.

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 dark-squared bishop, which will become a long-range monster on the h8-a1 diagonal. This is the defining characteristic of the King's Indian and Grunfeld setups.

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, the most natural development, preparing to take full control with e4. White could also choose g3 for a Fianchetto Variation or the aggressive Saemisch with f3, but this move keeps maximum flexibility for 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 · your move

Fianchetto your bishop to g7. This powerful piece now exerts pressure along the long diagonal, eyeing the d4 pawn and the queenside. It also provides a rock-solid defense for your king once you castle.

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 plays e4, seizing the full center as invited. This is the Four Pawns Attack if White adds f4 later, but here White is building a classical foundation. You must now decide how to challenge this wall of pawns.

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 crucial move stops White from pushing e5 and prepares your own central counter-strike. It also opens a path for your light-squared bishop and secures the e5 square for your pieces.

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

5. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, entering the Classical Variation. White has many aggressive alternatives here, such as the Averbakh with Bg5 or the Makogonov with h3, but Nf3 is the most respected and deeply studied response.

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 kingside to bring your king to safety and activate your rook. Your king is now well-protected behind the fianchettoed bishop, and you are ready to begin your operation to undermine White's center.

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 most solid choice. White could try the Larsen Variation with Be3 or the Zinnowitz with Bg5, but Be2 is the most flexible, preparing to castle while keeping an eye on the kingside.

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)

6... e5Black · your move

Push your pawn to e5 to strike at the heart of White's center. This is the standard King's Indian break, challenging the d4 pawn and forcing White to make a decision about the central tension. You are ready for a fight.

Other paths here: Na6 (King's Indian Defense: Kazakh Variation) · a5 (King's Indian: 6.Be2 a5) · a6 (King's Indian: 6.Be2 a6) · Bg4 (King's Indian: 6.Be2 Bg4)

Where you stand

The position is now a classic King's Indian struggle. White will likely castle and then look to expand on the queenside or close the center with d5. Black's plan involves a kingside pawn storm if the center closes, or maneuvering pieces to pressure d4 if the tension remains. Both sides have clear, aggressive paths to victory.

• e1-g1 Castle to secure the king
• f6-h5 Clear the f-pawn for expansion
• f7-f5 Start a kingside pawn storm
• c3-b5 Expand on the queenside
• d4-d5 Close the center to cramp Black