ECO code: E90
Opening Name: King's Indian Defense, Classical Variation with 5.Nf3, 6.h3 and 7.d5
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. h3 c5 7. d5 e6 8. Bd3
Overview: This line of the King's Indian Defense features White establishing a strong central wedge with 7.d5, gaining spatial advantage and restricting Black's typical counterplay. The move 6.h3 is a useful waiting or prophylactic move, preventing Black's pieces from easily accessing g4, and supporting White's center and kingside structure.
Characteristic of the moves: The move 7.d5 is characteristic of White taking space in the center and pushing Black's knight from c6 or preparing to limit Black's counterplay on the queenside. The move 6.h3 is subtle but important, aiming to prevent Black's minor pieces or pawns from gaining key squares on the kingside, thus supporting White’s strategic setup.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this setup is primarily attacking in nature, focusing on space advantage and central control to restrict Black’s typical counterattacks in the King's Indian. Black, on the other hand, plays a more counterattacking role, often aiming to challenge White’s center later with ...exd5 or ...b5 breaks and counterplay on the wings.
Center Control: Yes, this opening strongly attacks and controls the center. White’s d5 push grabs space and limits Black’s influence, while the pawn chain from d5 to e4 supports a strong central presence. Black’s moves like ...c5 and ...e6 are aimed at undermining this center and preparing counterplay.
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 O-O 6.h3 c5 7.d5 e6 8.Bd3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #41 black