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.
Neo-King's Indian: Fianchetto System
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7
FEN: rnbqk2r/ppppppbp/5np1/8/3P4/5NP1/PPP1PP1P/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 1 4
The Neo-King's Indian Fianchetto System is characterized by White’s early development of the kingside knight to f3 and the fianchetto of the bishop with g3 and Bg2 (often played soon after). This setup aims for solid control over the long diagonal and flexible central play without committing immediately to the classical King's Indian pawn breaks.
Characteristic: This system focuses on a solid and hypermodern approach, controlling the center from a distance with pieces rather than occupying it immediately with pawns.
Playing as White: The approach is generally more positional and defensive, aiming to limit Black's typical King's Indian attacking chances and build up pressure patiently.
Playing as Black: Black retains the dynamic counterattacking potential typical of the King's Indian Defense, often aiming to challenge White’s center and kingside with pawn breaks like ...d6 and ...e5 or ...c5.
Center Control: White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns but exerts pressure on it from the flanks, while Black looks to counterattack the center actively.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Neo-King's Indian: Fianchetto System, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 6 - Move #9 black
You can also discover how top players used Neo-King's Indian: Fianchetto System to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.