ECO code: A48
Neo-King's Indian: London System
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 Bg7 4. e3 O-O
This opening blends ideas from the London System with the Neo-King's Indian setup. White develops the dark-squared bishop early to f4, aiming for solid control and flexibility. Black fianchettoes the kingside bishop, preparing a hypermodern setup that challenges White's center from a distance.
Characteristic: The key feature of this line is White's early bishop development to f4 before playing e3, which supports a solid and harmonious setup without immediately contesting the center with pawns. Black’s fianchetto on g7 is typical of King’s Indian structures, focusing on controlling central dark squares indirectly.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this opening tends to be more positional and flexible rather than aggressively attacking early on. White aims for solid development and control of key squares, often planning a gradual buildup. Black’s setup is also flexible but can lead to dynamic counterplay, especially on the kingside, so Black often adopts a reactive but potentially aggressive stance.
Center Control: White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns but maintains a strong presence with pieces, especially the bishop on f4 and knight on f3. Black challenges the center more indirectly using the fianchettoed bishop and knight maneuvers. Overall, this opening focuses on piece control of the center rather than direct pawn confrontation.
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: London System, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 12 - Move #8 black