King's Indian Defence

ECO E60–E99 · Level: Intermediate · Also known as: King's Indian, KID, Şah Hint Savunması

The King's Indian lets White build a big centre first, then counter-attacks with the g7 bishop and the ...e5 and ...f5 pawn breaks. It is a dynamic fighting defence.

Position at the end of the main line

Main line

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5

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History

It was a favourite weapon of Fischer and Kasparov and has produced many unforgettable attacking games.

White's plan

  • A big centre (c4, d4, e4) and a queenside attack with c5.
  • Once the centre locks (d5), White attacks on the queenside and Black on the kingside—a race begins.

Black's plan

  • Challenge the centre with ...e5; once closed, attack the king with ...Ne8, ...f5 and ...g5.
  • The g7 bishop becomes very strong on the long diagonal once the centre opens.

Key variations

Classical main line (Mar del Plata)

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

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Sämisch Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3

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Four Pawns Attack

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3 c5

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Fianchetto Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nf3 Bg7 4.g3 O-O 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O

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Who should play it?

For Black players who love king attacks and are happy to keep the position unbalanced.

Frequently asked questions

Is the King's Indian suitable for beginners?

The set-up is easy (Nf6, g6, Bg7, d6, castle) and the plans are clear, though timing matters in sharp lines.

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Related openings

  • Grünfeld Defence — In the Grünfeld, Black allows White a big pawn centre and then attacks it with the g7 bishop, ...c5 and pieces.
  • Pirc Defence — The Pirc Defence cedes the centre to White, fianchettoes the bishop on g7 and attacks the centre later.
  • Nimzo-Indian Defence — The Nimzo-Indian pins the c3 knight with ...Bb4 to control e4, often trading bishop for knight to damage White's pawn structure.
  • London System — The London System sets up the same solid structure (d4, Bf4, e3, c3, Nf3, Nbd2) almost regardless of Black's moves.

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