King's Indian Defense: Four Pawns Attack (4.e4 d6 5.Bd3)
King’s Indian Defense – Four Pawns Attack,
5.Bd3 Nge2 e5 7.d5 (Bd3 System / Dolmatov Variation)
Definition
The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 introduces the Four Pawns Attack (FPA) of the King’s Indian Defense (KID). After 4…d6 5.Bd3, instead of the usual 5.f4 or 5.Nf3, White calmly develops a bishop, keeping the king side solid. Play continues 5…O-O 6.Nge2 e5 and the centre is locked with 7.d5. The result is a French-like pawn chain (d5–e4 vs. d6–e5) on a KID board, leading to rich strategic play on the wings.
Usage & Typical Plans
- White’s ideas
- Claim a lasting space advantage in the centre.
- Queenside expansion: b4, a4-a5, c5 to create open files.
- Knight hops Nc3-b5-d6 or f3-g3-f5 targeting sensitive squares.
- Keep the f-pawn in reserve (f3 or f4) depending on Black’s setup.
- Black’s ideas
- Typical breaks …c6 or …f5 to undermine White’s chain.
- Piece manoeuvres: …Nh5, …Qh4, …f5 for a kingside storm.
- Queenside counterplay with …Na6-c5 and …b5 when feasible.
Strategic Significance
- Space vs. Flexibility. White owns more territory; Black’s compact position is harder to crack but ready to explode with pawn breaks.
- Good & Bad Bishops. White’s Bd3 is active, the c1-bishop can later join via e3 or g5; Black’s g7-bishop is strong once …f5 or …c6 opens lines.
- Pawn-Chain Logic. As in the French, the side playing behind the chain attacks the base; the side in front attacks the flank. Hence Black hits d5/e4, White rolls on the queenside.
Historical Context
The line was explored in the 1980s by Soviet Grandmasters such as Sergei Dolmatov and later popularised in rapid events by Aleksandr Glek—hence the twin nicknames “Dolmatov” or “Glek” System. Although never a mainline at top level, it remains a respected surprise weapon because many KID specialists base their preparation on the sharper 5.f4 variations.
Model Game
The following PGN shows typical themes: Black delays the critical breaks and is squeezed on the kingside after White’s harmonious build-up.
Famous Encounters
- Anand – Leko, Dortmund 2004: White’s queenside squeeze forced Black into an uncomfortable but ultimately drawn endgame.
- Smirin – Kasparov, Moscow Blitz 2007: Kasparov uncorked a swift …f5 break, illustrating Black’s dynamic potential and winning in style.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because the structure mirrors the Advance French, some French-defense players feel at home with either colour in this KID offshoot.
- The quiet 5.Bd3 move often provokes inaccurate aggression from Black, who may underestimate White’s latent attacking chances.
- Modern engines rate the position roughly +0.30 for White, but human practical results are nearly 50-50—proof that plans matter more than evaluation.
Summary
The 4.e4 d6 5.Bd3 O-O 6.Nge2 e5 7.d5 system offers a strategically rich, less-travelled road within the King’s Indian. White gets space and clear queenside plans; Black retains all customary KID counter-chances. For players who enjoy French-type pawn chains yet want the dynamic piece play of the KID, this hybrid line is an ideal battleground.