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. This is the most direct approach, as White seizes the central space that Black has allowed. Black's primary response is 4...d6, which stops 5.e5 from chasing the knight, opens a line for the queenside bishop, and prepares future central counterplay with ...e5 or ...c5. The main line continues 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.O-O. Castling immediately with 4...O-O is also viable — if White pushes 5.e5, Black retreats the knight to e8 (since 5...Nh5?? 6.g4 traps it), and play can proceed with 5...Ne8 6.f4 d6 7.Nf3. More often, though, White plays 5.Nf3, and after 5...d6 the position transposes to the main line. The move 4...d5? is a mistake here, as White's c- and e-pawns combine to win the d5 pawn. Any plans for a Grunfeld setup have been missed at this point. With 13.2 million Lichess games across all rating levels, 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 13.2 million Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 49.8%
- Black wins: 45.4%
- Draws: 4.9%
The statistics show a roughly balanced opening where both sides have equal chances.
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 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.h3
- King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.g3
- King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2
- King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack
- King's Indian Defence, Sämisch Variation
- King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3
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
- 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.
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.
