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King's Indian: Classical

The Classical King's Indian (with ...e5, ...Nc6-e7, and ...Nd7) is the main battleground of the King's Indian Defense. After White plays d5 closing the center, both sides attack on opposite wings in one of chess's most thrilling strategic contests.

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Variations

About the King's Indian: Classical

In the Classical KID, after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d5 Ne7, both sides have clear plans: White expands on the queenside with c5, b4, etc., while Black storms the kingside with ...f5, ...f4, ...g5, ...h5, and even ...Rf6-h6. The resulting positions are among the most exciting in chess. Kasparov's games in this line are legendary.

Key Ideas

  • After d5, attack on the kingside with ...f5, ...f4
  • The ...Rf6-h6 maneuver is a classic attacking idea
  • ...g5 and ...h5 support the kingside pawn storm
  • White attacks on the queenside — it's a race
  • The Bg7 becomes powerful if the center opens

Related Openings

King's Indian DefensePirc DefenseBenoni DefenseGrunfeld Defense

Ready to master the King's Indian: Classical?

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