Position 1 of 7
1...Nf6
Develops the knight and fights for control of e4 and d5. A flexible first move that works against many White setups.
E60bPlay as Black5 lines to train
Learn the King's Indian Defense
A hypermodern defense — let White build the center, then counter-attack it.
Main line
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. d5 Nbd7
1.d41…Nf62.c42…g63.Nc33…Bg74.e44…d65.Nf35…O-O6.Be26…e57.d57…Nbd7
The idea
Why this opening works
The King's Indian is one of the most dynamic defenses in chess. Black allows White to build a big center, then undermines it with ...e5 or ...c5. The fianchettoed bishop on g7 becomes a monster piece, and Black often launches a devastating kingside attack. It's the favorite weapon of legends like Kasparov and Fischer.
What to remember
- Know the first 8 half-moves of the main line.
- Understand the purpose of your key moves before adding more theory.
- Practice the branches until you can respond without move-order guessing.
Move by move
The moves worth understanding
Theory sticks when every move has a job. Start with these ideas from the trainer.
Scroll down through 7 positions
- g8 → f6
- g7 → g6
Position 2 of 7
2...g6
Prepares the fianchetto — the bishop will go to g7 where it becomes Black's most powerful piece.
- f8 → g7
Position 3 of 7
3...Bg7
The King's Indian bishop — aims at the center and queenside along the long diagonal. It will be devastating once the center opens.
- d7 → d6
Position 4 of 7
4...d6
Controls e5 and supports the future ...e5 pawn break. Solid and essential.
- e8 → g8
Position 5 of 7
5...O-O
Gets the king to safety and connects the rooks. Black is now ready to start the counterattack.
- e7 → e5
Position 6 of 7
6...e5
The key move — challenges White's d4 pawn and fights for central space. This often leads to a sharp middlegame.
- b8 → d7
Position 7 of 7
7...Nbd7
Develops the knight to support ...e5. From d7, it can reroute to c5 or f8-e6.
Trainer variations
Lines you’ll meet
These are representative branches from the drill, not a demand to memorize everything at once.
Line 11. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. d5 Nbd7
Line 21. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 e5
Line 31. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. g3 O-O 5. Bg2 d6 6. O-O Nbd7
Line 41. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. Nc3 d6
Line 51. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 Bg7 4. e3 O-O
Quick answers
King's Indian Defense questions
What is the King's Indian Defense?
A hypermodern defense — let White build the center, then counter-attack it. The King's Indian is one of the most dynamic defenses in chess. Black allows White to build a big center, then undermines it with ...e5 or ...c5. The fianchettoed bishop on g7 becomes a monster piece, and Black often launches a devastating kingside attack. It's the favorite weapon of legends like Kasparov and Fischer.
What is the main line of the King's Indian Defense?
This trainer starts with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. d5 Nbd7. The exact move order can change by variation, so learn the purpose of each move as well as the sequence.
Is the King's Indian Defense good to learn as Black?
It can be a useful part of a Black repertoire if its positions match how you like to play. Learn the main plan first, then use the drill to test the recurring replies.
Study next
D30bQueen's Gambit DeclinedHold the center with ...e6 and ...d5 — solid, reliable, and strategic.1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 Nbd7D10bSlav DefenseMeet 1.d4 d5 2.c4 with ...c6 — keep a solid pawn chain and a free light-squared bishop.1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 e6E20bNimzo-Indian DefensePin the knight with 3...Bb4 — fight for e4 control and create long-term structural pressure.1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 d5 6. Nf3 c5
Turn the guide into recall
Now play the King's Indian Defense from memory.
The drill gives you an opponent reply, checks your response, and repeats the branches that need more work.