King's Indian Attack (for White)

The King's Indian Attack (1.Nf3 d5 2.g3) is a system more than an opening: White sets up the same way (fianchettoed bishop, short castling, pawns on d3 and e4) whatever Black does. Little theory, clear plans.

The principle

White prepares the e4 push and then e5, which gains space and chases the f6 knight. Then White attacks on the kingside with the knights and the h- and f-pawns.

The main line

2...Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.O-O Be7 5.d3 O-O 6.Nbd2 c5 7.e4 Nc6 8.Re1 b5 9.e5 Nd7 10.Nf1. The classic pattern: Black attacks on the queenside, White on the kingside. The f1 knight will head to h2 or e3 to support the attack.

Main variations

• Against the French: 1.e4 e6 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.Ngf3 c5 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Be7 7.O-O O-O 8.Re1. The same setup, reached by another move order.
• Against the Sicilian: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d3 Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.Nbd2 Nf6 6.Bg2 Be7 7.O-O O-O. A simple way to avoid Sicilian theory.
• Keres Variation: 2...c6 3.Bg2 Bg4 4.O-O Nd7 5.d3 e5 6.h3 Bh5. Black takes the center: White then plays on the dark squares.

Typical mistakes

With White, waiting too long: without the e4 push the system lacks bite. With Black, opening the kingside when all of White's pieces point there.

Coach's advice

This is an excellent choice if you want to play without learning many lines: remember the setup and when to push e5. Click the colored moves to follow each line, then ask me your questions.

Main line

1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.O-O Be7 5.d3 O-O 6.Nbd2 c5 7.e4 Nc6 8.Re1 b5 9.e5 Nd7 10.Nf1