King's Indian Defense: Four Pawns Attack

King’s Indian Defense: Four Pawns Attack

Definition

The Four Pawns Attack is one of the sharpest and most ambitious systems that White can choose against the King’s Indian Defense (KID). After the standard moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7, White marches four pawns (c-, d-, e- and f-pawns) into the center: 4. e4 d6 5. f4.

By occupying the center with a broad pawn phalanx, White grabs space and prepares a direct kingside assault, while Black aims to undermine the over-extended center with timely pawn breaks (…c5, …e5 or …f5) and piece pressure.

Typical Move Order

An illustrative tabiya (starting position of the variation) arises after:

• 1. d4 Nf6
• 2. c4 g6
• 3. Nc3 Bg7
• 4. e4 d6
• 5. f4 O-O
• 6. Nf3 c5

From here the most common continuations are 7. d5 e6 or 7. Be2 cxd4 8. Nxd4.

Strategic Themes

• White’s Plan
  • Seize space and restrict Black’s pieces.
  • Advance the e- and f- pawns (often e5–e6 or f4-f5) to open lines against the Black king.
  • Maintain the central pawns with timely support from pieces and the pawn at c4–d5.
• Black’s Plan
  • Attack the base of White’s pawn chain with breaks …c5, …e6/e5, and sometimes …f5.
  • Exploit dark-square weaknesses (e5, g3, h4) created by White’s forward pawns.
  • Counter-punch in the center; if it collapses, the bishops and knights flood the board.

Historical Significance

The line was explored in the 1920s by Frank Marshall and later refined by Soviet theorists such as David Bronstein and Efim Geller. Its popularity peaked in the 1950s–70s when dynamic players—including Bobby Fischer—used it as a surprise weapon. In modern elite events it appears less often but remains theoretically sound, featuring in games by Gata Kamsky, Alexei Shirov, and Hikaru Nakamura.

Illustrative Example

The following miniature demonstrates both sides’ ideas:

[[Pgn| 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3 c5 7.d5 e6 8.e5 dxe5 9.fxe5 Ng4 10.Bg5 Qb6 11.Qe2 exd5 12.Nxd5 Qa5+ 13.Bd2 Qd8 14.O-O-O Nc6 15.Bg5 Qa5 16.h3 Ngxe5 17.Nxe5 Nxe5 18.Bf6 Bh6+ 19.Kb1 Nc6 20.g4 Be6 21.Bg2 Rfe8 22.Qf2| arrows|d5d6,f4f5,e5e6|squares|e5,d5]]

(Kasparov–Strikovic, Belgrade 1982, shortened here for teaching purposes.) White’s pawns advance, but Black provokes weaknesses and eventually liquidates the center.

Famous Games to Study

• Fischer vs. Myagmarsuren, Sousse 1967 – Fischer crushes through the center after Black miscues.
• Kamsky vs. Shirov, Linares 1993 – A modern theoretical duel ending in a spectacular perpetual check.
• Ivanchuk vs. Gelfand, Wijk aan Zee 2001 – Illustrates Black’s resourceful counterplay on dark squares.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Bobby Fischer used the Four Pawns Attack in casual games to sharpen his tactical eye before tournament play.
• Computer engines initially disliked White’s space-grabbing plan, but modern neural-net engines often rate the line as fully playable for both sides.
• The variation is featured in the film Searching for Bobby Fischer during a blitz montage, highlighting its uncompromising nature.

When to Choose the Four Pawns Attack

Opt for this system if you:

1. Enjoy open tactical fights rather than slow maneuvering.
2. Are comfortable defending a big center against counter-attacks.
3. Want to surprise King’s Indian specialists who expect quieter lines like the Fianchetto Variation.

Summary

The Four Pawns Attack is a bold attempt to seize the initiative against the King’s Indian Defense. While risky—because over-extension can backfire—it offers rich, double-edged positions that reward precise calculation and dynamic understanding.