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: Orthodox Variation
This opening arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2. It is a classical setup in the King's Indian Defense where Black fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop and prepares to challenge White's center.
Characteristic of the Move 6.Be2: This move completes White's kingside development and prepares for castling. It is a flexible and solid choice, aiming to maintain a strong pawn center with pawns on d4 and e4, while keeping options open for future central or kingside actions.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, the Orthodox Variation is primarily attacking, focusing on controlling and expanding in the center and preparing for a potential kingside offensive. Black's setup is also attacking, intending to counterattack White's center later on, often with moves like ...e5 or ...c5 and possible kingside pawn storms.
Center Control: Yes, this opening heavily involves the center. White establishes a strong pawn center with d4 and e4, while Black aims to challenge and undermine it dynamically rather than occupy it immediately.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 27 - Move #8 black
You can also discover how top players used King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.