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.
King's Indian Defense: Normal Variation
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6
This variation of the King's Indian Defense is characterized by Black's flexible pawn structure and setup, aiming to control the center indirectly rather than occupying it immediately. By playing ...d6, Black prepares to develop the knight to f6 and supports the central e5 push in many lines.
From White's perspective, the setup is aggressive and centers around establishing a strong pawn presence in the center with pawns on d4 and e4. White aims to maintain spatial advantage and often prepares for an attack on the kingside or center.
Black's approach is typically more dynamic and counterattacking. Instead of contesting the center with pawns immediately, Black focuses on fianchettoing the dark-squared bishop and preparing to challenge White's center later, often by pushing ...e5 or ...c5.
Characteristics: The Normal Variation is a flexible and resilient system for Black, preparing to counterattack based on White's central setup.
Attack or Defense: White plays in an attacking style by establishing a strong central presence. Black's setup is somewhat defensive initially but geared towards a dynamic counterattack.
Center Control: White directly controls the center with pawns on d4 and e4. Black contests the center indirectly and aims to challenge it later with pawn breaks.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the King's Indian Defense: Normal Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 65 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used King's Indian Defense: Normal Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.