ECO code: E61
Opening Name: King's Indian Defense: 3.Nc3 c5
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 c5
Description: In this line of the King's Indian Defense, Black challenges White's central control immediately with the move ...c5. This is a key thematic break, aiming to undermine White's d4-pawn and contest the center from the flank. By playing ...c5 early, Black signals an intention to fight actively for the center rather than adopting a purely defensive setup.
Characteristic: The move ...c5 is characteristic of a dynamic approach within the King's Indian, introducing tension in the center and often leading to asymmetrical pawn structures. It can transpose into Benoni-type positions if Black captures on d4 later.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, ...c5 is an attacking move, aiming to challenge White's central space and create counterplay. White, meanwhile, usually continues to build a strong center, so White’s stance is more positional and central-controlling but can become attacking depending on how the position unfolds.
Center Control: This opening definitely involves a fight for the center. White occupies the center with pawns on d4 and c4, while Black uses ...c5 to pressure it and prepare for further central or queenside counterplay. The tension in the center is a defining feature of this variation.
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 King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #25 black