The King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 4.e4 arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 and falls under ECO code E70. The most principled move, with 4. e4, White takes over the centre that Black has conceded. Black's main move is 4...d6 . The d-pawn prevents White from playing 5. e5 and kicking Black's knight, opens a line for the queen's bishop, and will be a springboard for later attacks on the centre, ...e5 or ...c5. White has a variety of responses: the mainline is 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O. 4...O-O is also playable as, if 5. e5, Black can save the knight on the newly-available e8 square (5...Nh5?? 6. g4 traps the knight) and the game may continue 5...Ne8 6. f4 d6 7. Nf3. More commonly however White plays 5. Nf3 and after 5...d6 the game transposes. 4...d5? now loses a pawn, as White's c and e pawns clamp down on d5. If Black had been planning to play a Grünfeld , then they have missed their chance. With 91,956 games in the master database, it is a well-established opening choice.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 3.Nc3. Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Ivan Farago (192 games), Loek Van Wely (140 games), Viktor Korchnoi (136 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Wolfgang Uhlmann (256 games), Ilia Smirin (207 games), Zdenko Kozul (204 games).
Statistics
Based on 91,956 master-level games:
- White wins: 41.2%
- Black wins: 29%
- Draws: 29.8%
White has a significant statistical advantage in this line, reflecting the initiative that comes with the first move.
Main Lines and Variations
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4, the main continuations include:
- King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 5.h3
- King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 5.g3
- King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 5.Be2
- King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack
- King's Indian Defence, Sämisch Variation
- King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 5.Nf3
- King's Indian Defence, Sämisch Variation: 0-0
- King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2
- King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2
- King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... c5
- King's Indian Defence, Sämisch Variation: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... b6
- King's Indian Defence, Sämisch Variation: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... Nc6
Each of these lines leads to distinct types of positions and requires its own understanding of the resulting pawn structures and piece placements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Neglecting development: In the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 4.e4, it can be tempting to make extra pawn moves early on. However, falling behind in development can be punished quickly, especially in open positions where opponent pieces can find active squares.
- Allowing White to build an overwhelming center: Hypermodern openings allow White space in the center, but you need to strike back at the right moment. Delaying the counterattack too long can leave you without active play.
- Playing without a plan: Each position in the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 4.e4 demands a specific approach. Understand whether you should be attacking, defending, or maneuvering before making your move. Random moves lead to random results.
- Forgetting about piece coordination: Chess pieces are strongest when they work together. A single piece attacking alone is easy to defend against, but coordinated pieces can create unstoppable threats.
Practice on Chessiverse
The best way to learn the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 4.e4 is through practice. On Chessiverse, you can play chess against computer opponents from any opening or custom position. Our AI bots range from beginner to grandmaster level, each with unique playing styles — from aggressive attackers to solid defenders. Choose a bot that matches your rating and work your way up as you master the opening's key ideas.
