King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2

E771.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 0-0 6.Be2
Feb 20, 2026
Play this opening as...
TL;DR

White aggressively pushes f4 alongside e4, d4, and c4, claiming maximum space. This ambitious approach risks overextension but creates powerful attacking chances if Black cannot generate timely counterplay.

Written by

Chessiverse
Chessiverse TeamOpening Guides

Expert chess content backed by opening theory and our database of 600+ AI bots with unique playing styles and opening repertoires.

King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2: A Complete Guide
King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2 - Opening Moves
Summary

The King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2 arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 0-0 6.Be2 and falls under ECO code E77. With 785 games in the master database, it is a specialized opening choice.

History and Notable Players

It arises from the King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack. Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Wolfgang Uhlmann (18 games), William E Martz (17 games), Alain Darrigues (11 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Svetozar Gligoric (10 games), Leonid Stein (5 games), Helder Camara (4 games).

Statistics

Based on 785 master-level games:

  • White wins: 37.7%
  • Black wins: 32.9%
  • Draws: 29.4%

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 d6 5.f4 0-0 6.Be2, the main continuations include:

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, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2, 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, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2 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, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2 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.

Quick Facts

Main Line1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 0-0 6.Be2
FENrnbq1rk1/ppp1ppbp/3p1np1/8/2PPPP2/2N5/PP2B1PP/R1BQK1NR b KQ - 2 6
DifficultyAdvanced
Style

Hypermodern openings let the opponent occupy the center with pawns, then attack it from the flanks with pieces and fianchettoed bishops. Control is exerted from a distance rather than by direct occupation.

785games in database
37.7%
29.4%
32.9%
White wins Draws Black wins

Top Players

As White
As Black

Data from 365chess.com

Play this opening as...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2?

The King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2 begins with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 0-0 6.Be2 and is classified under ECO code E77.

Is the King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2 good for beginners?

The King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2 can be played at any level. Beginners should focus on understanding the key strategic ideas rather than memorizing long theoretical lines. Our AI bots at various rating levels provide a great way to practice the opening concepts.

What are the main variations of the King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2?

The main continuations include: King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 7.Nf3; King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 9.Be3. Each variation leads to distinct types of positions with their own strategic themes.

What are the win rates for the King's Indian Defence, Four Pawns Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 6.Be2?

In a database of 785 master games, White wins 37.7% of the time, Black wins 32.9%, and 29.4% are drawn. Notable players on the White side include Wolfgang Uhlmann and William E Martz. On the Black side, Svetozar Gligoric and Leonid Stein are among the most frequent practitioners.

Written by

Chessiverse
Chessiverse TeamOpening Guides

Expert chess content backed by opening theory and our database of 600+ AI bots with unique playing styles and opening repertoires.

Practice This Opening on Chessiverse

Play against 600+ AI bots with unique personalities and opening repertoires. From beginner-friendly to grandmaster-level opponents, find the perfect sparring partner for any opening.

Play Now
Back to Articles