ECO code: E61
King's Indian: 4.Bg5
The move 4.Bg5 in the King's Indian Defense arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Bg5. This variation is a less common but interesting way for White to put immediate pressure on Black's knight on f6 and challenge Black's typical kingside setup.
Characteristic of the move: The bishop move to g5 pins Black's knight on f6 to the queen on d8, aiming to restrict Black's typical fianchettoed knight and potentially provoke weaknesses or concessions in Black’s kingside structure. It also prevents Black from easily playing ...e5 immediately, which is a key thematic break in many King's Indian lines.
Attacking or defensive: From White’s perspective, 4.Bg5 is an attacking move. It seeks active play by increasing pressure on Black's knight and controlling critical squares early. For Black, the position requires careful defense and maneuvering to counter White’s pin and to prepare the central and kingside breaks typical of the King's Indian.
Center control: This opening variation does not directly contest the center with a pawn push but supports White’s influence over central squares by controlling key pieces and preparing for central play. Black aims to challenge the center later, while White’s bishop move is more about piece pressure than immediate central occupation.
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: 4.Bg5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 9 - Move #9 white