ECO code: A48
Neo-King's Indian
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. e3 Bg7
The Neo-King's Indian is a flexible and somewhat modest setup by White against Black's King's Indian Defense formation. By playing 3. e3 instead of the more aggressive c4, White aims for a solid and restrained structure, keeping options open for piece development without committing immediately to central tension.
Characteristic: This move order avoids early confrontation in the center, particularly preventing some of Black's typical King's Indian attacking plans. White intends to develop calmly, often preparing c4 later or maintaining a strong pawn chain with d4 and e3.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, the Neo-King’s Indian is more of a positional and somewhat defensive approach, focusing on sound development and control rather than immediate attacks. Black, on the other hand, usually seeks dynamic counterplay on the kingside and in the center, characteristic of the King's Indian Defense.
Center Control: White does control the center with the d4 pawn but delays challenging Black’s central presence directly with c4. Black aims to counterattack the center later, while White maintains a solid foothold.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Neo-King's Indian, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #10 white