ECO code: E90
King's Indian Defense: 5.Nf3 Bg4
This variation arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 Bg4. Here, Black develops the bishop to g4, pinning White's knight on f3 and putting subtle pressure on White's central control.
Characteristic: The move 5...Bg4 is a thematic pin in many King's Indian setups, aiming to exert pressure on White's knight which supports the central e4-pawn. It also prepares Black for flexible central and kingside play by provoking White to make decisions about the center and piece coordination.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this move is slightly more aggressive and proactive than the standard King's Indian lines, initiating indirect pressure on White's center and preparing counterplay. From White's perspective, the move demands careful handling to maintain central control and avoid structural weaknesses, so White’s play remains focused on solidifying the center and developing harmoniously.
Center Control: The opening still revolves around fighting for the center. White holds a strong pawn center with d4 and e4, while Black challenges it indirectly through piece pressure and preparing breaks like ...e5 or ...c5 later. Thus, while the bishop pin does not attack the center pawns directly, it supports Black's plan to undermine White's central dominance.
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: 5.Nf3 Bg4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #22 black