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
The Orthodox Variation of the King's Indian Defense arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O. This setup is characterized by Black's solid but flexible pawn structure and the fianchettoed bishop on g7, aiming to control the long diagonal and influence the center from a distance.
Characteristic of the moves: Black's ...e5 challenges White's strong pawn center directly, while White's development with Be2 and castling kingside prepares for a stable and flexible middle game. The position is balanced but dynamic, with both sides ready to fight for central and kingside space.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this variation is generally attacking, focusing on maintaining a strong pawn center and preparing for potential kingside or central offensives. For Black, the setup is initially defensive but with latent attacking possibilities, especially aiming for counterplay on the kingside and central breaks later with ...c5 or ...f5.
Control of the Center: This opening strongly emphasizes control of the center. White establishes a broad pawn center with pawns on d4 and e4, while Black contests the center indirectly with pieces and the pawn thrust ...e5, aiming to undermine White's central dominance.
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 2 - Move #17 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.