The King’s Indian Defense (KID) is one of the most powerful responses to 1. d4 for Black. Instead of immediately challenging the center, Black allows White to build strong central control and later counterattacks aggressively. This opening was played by legendary players like Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and Hikaru Nakamura.

Basic Moves of the King’s Indian Defense

  1. d4 Nf6 – Black develops the knight, avoiding an immediate center battle.

2. c4 g6 – Black prepares to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop.

3. Nc3 Bg7 – The bishop is placed on g7, eyeing the center.

4. e4 d6 – Black maintains a flexible pawn structure, waiting to strike.

5. Nf3 O-O – Black castles for king safety.

At this point, White usually has strong central control, but Black is ready to counterattack.

Common Variations of the King’s Indian Defense

1. Classical Variation (Main Line)

Moves:

  1. d4 Nf6
  2. c4 g6
  3. Nc3 Bg7
  4. e4 d6
  5. Nf3 O-O
  6. Be2 e5

Key Idea: Black challenges White’s center immediately with …e5, preparing a kingside attack with …f5.

🔹 Strategy:

  • White often responds with O-O and Re1, preparing dxe5.
  • Black can go for the Mar del Plata Attack, launching an aggressive pawn storm on the kingside.

2. Fianchetto Variation (Solid & Positional)

Moves:

  1. d4 Nf6
  2. c4 g6
  3. Nf3 Bg7
  4. g3 O-O

5. Bg2 d6

Key Idea: White fianchettos their bishop instead of going for direct central control.

🔹 Strategy:

  • White aims for positional play, avoiding sharp attacks.
  • Black must counterattack slowly, using moves like …c5 or …e5.
  • Endgames are often favorable for White due to central space control.

3. Samisch Variation (Aggressive Setup for White)

Moves:

  1. d4 Nf6
  2. c4 g6
  3. Nc3 Bg7
  4. e4 d6
  5. f3

Key Idea: White plays f3 early, stopping …Ng4 and preparing a kingside attack.

🔹 Strategy:

  • White often plays Be3, Qd2, and long castles, planning a pawn storm.
  • Black must counterattack fast with …c5 or …e5.
  • This variation is sharp and tactical—one mistake can be deadly for either side!

Key Plans for Black in the King’s Indian Defense

Play …e5 or …c5 to break White’s center.
Use …f5 to launch an aggressive kingside attack.
Position your knight on …Nbd7 or …Nh5, depending on the setup.
Be patient—White controls the center early, but Black strikes back later.

Final Thoughts

The King’s Indian Defense is one of the most aggressive and complex openings for Black. It requires patience, deep understanding, and counterattacking skills. Beginners should start with the Classical Variation before experimenting with other setups.