King's Indian Defense: Kramer Variation
King's Indian Defense: Kramer Variation
Definition
The Kramer Variation is a branch of the King’s Indian Defense that appears after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Bd3. By developing the dark-squared bishop to the aggressive d3-square, White immediately targets h7 and signals an intention to mount a kingside assault, while still preserving great flexibility in the center.
Typical Move Order
One of the most common sequences is:
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 g6
- 3. Nc3 Bg7
- 4. e4 d6
- 5. Bd3 O-O
- 6. Nge2 e5
- 7. d5 a5 or 7…c6
The resulting structure resembles the Classical King’s Indian, but the bishop on d3 (instead of e2 or g2) gives the game a unique character.
Strategic Themes
- Direct pressure on h7: With Bd3 and often Qd2, White eyes a quick Bh6 or h4-h5 break.
- Flexible knight development: Because Nf3 is deferred, the f-pawn can advance (f3 or f4) and the queenside knight can maneuver via d2–f1–g3.
- Locked center: After d4–e4–d5, White enjoys space and has a clear plan of attacking on the kingside while Black searches for counterplay with …c6, …b5, or …f5.
- Black’s targets: The bishop on d3 can become vulnerable to …Nc6-b4, so prophylaxis with a2-a3 (or c2-c3) is often required.
Historical Notes
The line is named after American master George Kramer, who explored 5.Bd3 in U.S. events during the 1940s–50s. Although never a front-line choice in world championship practice, it has been adopted as an anti-theoretical weapon by creative grandmasters such as Bent Larsen, Hikaru Nakamura (in rapid play), and Alexey Shirov.
Illustrative Game
The following rapid game demonstrates White’s attacking ideas:
[[Pgn| d4|Nf6| c4|g6| Nc3|Bg7| e4|d6| Bd3|O-O| Nge2|e5| d5|a5| Ng3|Na6| h4|h5| Bg5|Qe8| Be2|Nh7| Qd2|Nxg5| hxg5|Bd7| O-O-O|f6| gxf6|Bxf6| Rd1|Nb4| a3|Na6| Bxh5|gxh5| Nxh5|Qg6| Rdg1|Qh6| Nxg7|Qxd2+| Kxd2|Rf7| Ne6+|Kh8| Rh6+|Rh7| Rxh7+|Kg8| Rg7#| fen|| arrows|g5g6| squares|h5 ]]White’s bishop on d3 played a pivotal role, helping to crack open Black’s kingside along the g- and h-files.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because 5.Bd3 is relatively rare, many King’s Indian specialists first face it over-the-board, making it a practical surprise weapon.
- The variation can transpose to the Sämisch System (with f2-f3) or to the Classical lines if the bishop later retreats to e2, giving White multiple middlegame choices.
- Statistically, the Kramer Variation holds an excellent score in blitz and rapid time controls, where preparation counts for less and attacking instincts dominate.
Related Systems
- Makogonov System – 5.h3 aims for g4 expansion instead of piece pressure with Bd3.
- Classical Variation – 5.Nf3, the traditional development of the king knight.
- Sämisch System – 5.f3, bolstering e4 and striving for e4-e5 breaks.
When to Choose the Kramer Variation
- You enjoy sharp, kingside attacks built on a secure center.
- You want to sidestep the reams of deeply-analysed main-line King’s Indian theory.
- You’re comfortable with locked centers and maneuvering pieces behind your pawn wall before launching a pawn storm.