King's Indian Attack
Initial Moves: 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.O-O Be7 5.d3
Strategic Summary & Main Idea
The King's Indian Attack is a developing system with Nf3, g3, Bg2, O-O and d3. White concedes space early on in order to prepare e4-e5 and a coordinated kingside attack.
Typical Plans for White
- Preparing e4 and closing the centre with e5
- Rerouting the knight Nbd2-f1-h2 or e3 towards the attack
- Pushing h4-h5 and using the g2 bishop's diagonal
Typical Plans for Black
- Gaining queenside space while the centre is closed
- Questioning e4 with ...d5 or ...c5
- Trading off the attacking pieces before White's attack builds up
Main Variations of the King's Indian Attack
| Variation | Move Sequence | Style / Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Structure | 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.O-O Be7 5.d3 O-O 6.Nbd2 |
Patient preparation of e4 |
| Against the French | 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.O-O Be7 5.d3 O-O 6.Nbd2 c5 7.e4 |
A closed centre and a kingside attack |
| The e4 Move Order | 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.O-O Be7 5.d3 O-O 6.Nbd2 c5 7.e4 Nc6 8.Re1 |
Flexible and rich in manoeuvring |
Common Mistakes & Where Most Amateurs Go Wrong
- 01 White attacking on the kingside before the centre is closed
- 02 Black overlooking the knight manoeuvre towards g5
- 03 Playing the set-up on autopilot without watching the central breaks
Practice the King's Indian Attack on the Interactive Board
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