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: 5.Nf3 O-O
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O
FEN: rnbq1rk1/ppp1ppbp/3p1np1/8/2PPP3/2N2N2/PP3PPP/R1BQKB1R w KQ - 2 6
This position arises from the classical variation of the King's Indian Defense. By playing 5.Nf3, White develops a knight to a natural square, supports the central pawns, and prepares for safe kingside castling. Black responds with 5...O-O, completing kingside development and ensuring king safety before launching counterplay.
Characteristic: This move order is typical of the classical King's Indian setup, where both sides focus on solid development and control of key squares. White aims to maintain a strong pawn center with pawns on d4 and e4, while Black prepares dynamic counterattacks, often targeting the center or the queenside.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this setup is largely attacking in nature, striving to dominate the center and prepare for central or kingside operations. Black’s 5...O-O is primarily defensive initially, securing the king, but it lays the foundation for a vigorous counterattack, usually on the kingside or center later in the game.
Center Control: Yes, this opening strongly contests the center. White occupies it with pawns on d4 and e4, aiming to maintain space and control. Black challenges the center indirectly, often planning pawn breaks like ...e5 or ...c5 to undermine White’s center.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the King's Indian: 5.Nf3 O-O, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 40 - Move #7 black
You can also discover how top players used King's Indian: 5.Nf3 O-O to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.