E60–E99 Indian defenses

King's Indian Defense

Black allows a large white center, then attacks it with ...e5 or ...c5 and often races on the kingside.

Best for

Dynamic players who accept space disadvantages in return for a clear counterattack.

Study map

Start with one line, then add nearby branches.

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01King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Immediate FianchettoE60 · 3 movesnew02King's Indian Defense: Normal Variation, King's Knight VariationE60 · 3 movesnew03King's Indian DefenseE61 · 3 movesnew04King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto VariationE60 · 4 movesnew05King's Indian Defense: Santasiere VariationE60 · 4 movesnew

Browse all 119 lines

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Fianchetto Variation27 lines
Orthodox Variation22 lines
Sämisch Variation18 lines
Averbakh Variation11 lines
Four Pawns Attack8 lines
Normal Variation6 lines
Semi-Classical Variation5 lines
Petrosian Variation4 lines
Steiner Attack4 lines

Mix the variations

Practice changing book replies after you know at least 2 lines.

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White's plan

  1. 01 Use d5 to gain space when it restricts Black.
  2. 02 Expand with c5 or b4 on the queenside.
  3. 03 Keep the king safe during opposite-wing attacks.

Black's plan

  1. 01 Prepare ...e5 with Bg7 and d6.
  2. 02 Use ...f5 when the center is closed.
  3. 03 Attack the base of White's pawn chain.

Position fingerprint

The squares that explain the opening

d5 closes the center, f5 starts Black's attack, and c5 drives White's queenside play.

Keep the position healthy

Practical habits

  • Confirm the center is closed before starting a pawn storm.
  • Keep enough pieces near the king during the race.