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, Rare Defenses
This opening arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3. It is a classical setup in the King's Indian Defense, where Black fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop and prepares a solid but flexible pawn structure.
Characteristic: The move 5. Nf3 by White is a natural developing move that supports the center and prepares for kingside castling. It also keeps options open for White, avoiding early commitments to more aggressive lines. For Black, the setup is aimed at controlling the center indirectly and preparing for a counterattack, often on the kingside.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, this variation is primarily attacking in nature, as White occupies and controls the center with pawns on d4 and e4. Black plays a more defensive and counterattacking role initially, building a solid position before striking back, typically with ...e5 or ...c5 breaks later in the game.
Center Control: Yes, this opening strongly attacks and contests the center. White occupies the center with pawns on d4 and e4, while Black challenges it indirectly with pieces and pawn breaks. The tension in the center is a defining feature of the King's Indian Defense.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the King's Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Rare Defenses, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 36 - Move #7 black
You can also discover how top players used King's Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Rare Defenses to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.