King's Indian Defense
The King's Indian Defense is a response to White's d-pawn center, typically using Nf6, g6, Bg7 and d6. Black allows White space and prepares to challenge it with e5 or c5. Closed centers can produce attacks on opposite wings; open structures demand more immediate attention to central squares.
Opening moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6
White’s plan
Use central space to develop and restrict Black's counterplay. In closed positions, consider queenside expansion while tracking Black's kingside attack.
Black’s plan
Coordinate the g7 bishop with e5 or c5. Assess the center before committing to f5 and a wing attack.
Ideas behind the moves
Nf6
Develop before committing the center.
g6
Prepare the long diagonal for the bishop.
Bg7
Complete the fianchetto to influence d4 and e5.
Three mistakes to watch for
- Playing f5 automatically even when the center is open.
- Expanding on one wing while overlooking a central breakthrough.
- Leaving the g7 bishop blocked without a plan to free it.
An example practice line
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O
This is one study continuation. Your opponent can choose other replies; learn the plan as well as the moves.
Variations to explore
Orthodox Variation, Classical System, Kozul Gambit
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. Ne1 Nd7 10. Be3 f5 11. f3 f4 12. Bf2 g5 13. Rc1 Ng6 14. c5
Practice this line →Fianchetto Variation, Panno Variation, Donner Line
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. g3 O-O 5. Bg2 d6 6. O-O Nc6 7. Nc3 a6 8. d5 Na5 9. Nd2 c5 10. Qc2 Rb8 11. b3 b5 12. Bb2 bxc4 13. bxc4 Bh6
Practice this line →Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation, Bronstein Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 e5 7. d5 Nh5 8. Qd2 Qh4+ 9. g3 Nxg3 10. Qf2 Nxf1 11. Qxh4 Nxe3 12. Ke2 Nxc4
Practice this line →Four Pawns Attack, Florentine Gambit
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f4 O-O 6. Nf3 c5 7. d5 e6 8. Be2 exd5 9. e5
Practice this line →
Common questions
What is King's Indian Defense?
King's Indian Defense is a chess opening. One standard move order is 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6.
How can I practice this opening?
Start with the main line and its explanations, recall it on the board, then add opponent replies and review the positions you found difficult.
Related openings
Content sources
- Opening names and routes use the Lichess opening database, released under CC0. Lichess chess-openings · CC0
- Position scores are prepared with Stockfish 18. They describe the recorded position, not your rating or a guaranteed result. Stockfish
- Move explanations and practice plans are prepared for this trainer. Translated lesson text is a draft and may need editorial corrections.