ECO code: E90
Opening Name: King's Indian Defense, Mar del Plata Variation (with 5.Nf3 and 6.h3)
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 exd5
Description: This line arises from the King's Indian Defense, where Black fianchettoes the bishop and prepares a flexible pawn structure. White's 5.Nf3 and 6.h3 are aimed at controlling Black's dark-square bishop and preventing ...Ng4, which could harass White's bishop or knight. The move 7.d5 pushes space in the center, gaining territory and restricting Black's knight on f6.
Black’s response with 7...e6 challenges White's strong pawn chain and seeks to open lines for the dark-squared bishop and queen. After 8.Bd3 exd5, Black captures in the center, leading to a dynamic pawn structure where both sides fight for control of the center and key squares.
Characteristic of this move sequence: White’s early h3 is a prophylactic move, typical in many King's Indian setups, aimed at preventing Black’s knight or bishop from pinning or jumping to g4. The 7.d5 push is thematic in the King's Indian, grabbing space on the queenside and cramping Black’s position. Black’s ...e6 and subsequent exchange open the center, preparing counterplay against White’s advanced center.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this line is generally attacking in nature, focusing on spatial advantage and restricting Black’s counterplay, especially on the kingside. White often aims to maintain the space advantage and launch attacks exploiting Black's somewhat cramped position. Black, meanwhile, adopts a counterattacking stance, looking to strike back against White’s center and prepare active piece play on the kingside or center.
Center Control: White clearly aims to attack and control the center with the pawn thrust d5 and solid development. Black challenges this center dynamically with ...c5 and ...e6, leading to tension and exchanges that define the struggle for central dominance typical of the King's Indian Defense.
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 exd5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #41 black