King’s Indian Defense: Larsen Variation

King’s Indian Defense: Larsen Variation

Definition

The Larsen Variation is a branch of the King’s Indian Defense distinguished by the early pawn move …c6. A typical sequence is
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. g3 O-O 5. Bg2 d6 6. O-O c6.
By postponing the customary …e5 or …c5 break, Black keeps maximum flexibility in the centre. The line is named after Danish grandmaster Bent Larsen, who championed it in the 1960s–70s.

Strategic Themes

• Flexible centre. …c6 supports …d5 or a later …e5 under better circumstances.
• d5–square control. The c-pawn shields d5, curbing White’s piece activity there.
• Queenside expansion. Plans with …a6 and …b5 imitate the Najdorf Sicilian, seeking counterplay on the flank opposite White’s kingside ambitions.
• Piece placement. …Nbd7, …Qc7/…Qa5 and a late development of the light-squared bishop give Black several set-ups to choose from.
• White’s plans. White may adopt a Classical set-up with Nc3 & e4, a fianchetto with b3 & Bb2, or even a direct Mar-del-Plata style kingside attack with e4–e5.

Typical Move Order

1. d4   Nf6
2. c4   g6
3. Nf3  Bg7
4. g3   O-O
5. Bg2  d6
6. O-O  c6   (Larsen Variation)
7. Nc3  Qa5!?
    

Historical Significance

Bent Larsen introduced the line to avoid heavy theory in the main-line King’s Indian. His successful practical results encouraged later adopters such as Gata Kamsky, Peter Svidler and Daniil Dubov, especially in rapid and blitz formats where surprise value is high.

Illustrative Game

Bent Larsen – Training game illustration (model line)

This short model shows the main ideas: Black keeps a sturdy centre, eyes …d5, and has prospects for …a6–…b5 while White enjoys space and the two bishops.

Modern Practice

• Used as a secondary weapon by elite grandmasters to dodge deep theory.
• Particularly common in rapid/blitz chess, where its solid yet elastic nature shines.
• Playable against virtually all White set-ups after 4.g3, making it a versatile choice for King’s Indian aficionados.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Larsen once joked that “…c6 lets Black say ‘Not yet!’ to every White plan.”
• Because of the …c6–d6 structure, some databases classify the line as a “Deferred Pirc,” though it clearly belongs to the KID family.
• The provocative early …Qa5!?—Larsen’s brain-child—has been nicknamed the “Wandering Queen” because careless players can trap her on the flank.

When to Choose the Larsen Variation

1. You wish to sidestep ultra-theoretical main lines such as the Mar-del-Plata (…e5).
2. You prefer a solid, semi-closed centre before committing to pawn breaks.
3. You enjoy counterplay on the queenside with …a6/…b5 themes reminiscent of the Najdorf.

Summary

The King’s Indian Defense: Larsen Variation offers Black a robust yet dynamic alternative to the heavily analysed classical systems. By inserting …c6, Black keeps options open, fights for central dark-square control, and can later choose between …d5, …e5, or queenside expansion—making it a valuable addition to any King’s Indian repertoire.