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King's Indian Defense
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ECO E60

King's Indian Defense

A dynamic, hypermodern defense where Black concedes central space early, fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop, and launches a ferocious kingside attack.

King's Indian Defense Interactive Move Trainer

Step 0 of 6
Position Analysis
Starting position. Use the controls below to step through the moves.

Core Strategic Ideas

  • Allow White to build a large pawn center (d4, c4, e4), then strike back with ...e5 or ...c5.: Allow White to build a large pawn center (d4, c4, e4), then strike back with ...e5 or ...c5.
  • Fianchetto the king's bishop on g7 as a long-range tactical powerhouse.: Fianchetto the king's bishop on g7 as a long-range tactical powerhouse.
  • Lock the center with ...e5 and push ...f5-f4 to storm White's kingside.: Lock the center with ...e5 and push ...f5-f4 to storm White's kingside.

♔ White's Strategic Plan

Expand on the queenside with c5 and b4, breakthrough Black's queenside pawns before Black's kingside storm arrives.

♚ Black's Strategic Plan

Castle quickly, lock the center with ...e5, push ...f5, and coordinate pieces (Nf6, Nh5, Rf7, Bf8) to checkmate White.

Main Variations

Classical Variation (5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5)Sämisch Variation (5.f3)Four Pawns Attack (5.f4)

Related Openings

Queen's GambitGrünfeld DefenseBenoni Defense
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