ECO code: A00
Polish Opening: King's Indian Variation (3.c4 Bg7 4.e3)
The Polish Opening begins with 1.b4, aiming to control the queenside and challenge Black from the flank rather than the center. In this King's Indian Variation, White develops the bishop to b2 and follows up with c4 and e3, reinforcing central squares and preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop.
Characteristic: This variation features a hypermodern approach where White delays direct occupation of the center, instead exerting pressure on it from the wings with moves like b4 and c4. The move e3 solidifies White's central structure and opens lines for the bishop on f1.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this setup is typically more strategic and positionally oriented than outright attacking. It seeks to control key squares and build a solid base rather than launching an immediate assault. Black, by fianchettoing the bishop with ...g6 and ...Bg7, is preparing a flexible kingside defense and potential counterplay in the center and on the dark squares.
Center Control: White does not immediately occupy the center but influences it indirectly through c4 and e3. Black aims to strike back in the center with moves like ...d6 and ...e5 in many lines, leading to a dynamic battle over central control.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.