King's Indian Defence

The King's Indian Defence is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6, often continuing 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6. Black usually castles and then challenges White's centre with ...e5 or ...c5.

The early setup is easy to remember, but the middlegames are complex. Beginners can play it if they learn the key plans, but Black cannot afford to play passively or on autopilot.

Yes. It is one of the most aggressive mainstream openings against 1.d4. Black often allows White a big centre, then launches counterplay with ...e5, ...f5, ...f4, ...g5, and direct kingside attacking ideas.

The main idea is hypermodern. Black lets White occupy the centre, then attacks it with pieces and pawn breaks. If the centre closes, Black often attacks on the kingside while White plays on the queenside.

The Mar del Plata Variation is one of the most famous King's Indian main lines. It usually features a locked centre where White attacks on the queenside and Black attacks on the kingside.

There is no single best line. The Classical Variation is principled, the Fianchetto Variation is positional, the Samisch is solid and flexible, and the Four Pawns Attack grabs maximum space.

Many great players have used it, including David Bronstein, Efim Geller, Svetozar Gligoric, Mikhail Tal, Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, Teimour Radjabov, Hikaru Nakamura, and Gawain Jones.

Choose the Queen's Gambit Declined if you want solidity. Choose the King's Indian if you want imbalance, attacking chances, and the possibility of checkmating the opponent with Black.