King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation & Aronin-Taimanov
King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation
Definition
The Orthodox Variation is the “classical” main line of the King’s Indian
Defense (KID). It arises after the moves
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5.
Black allows White to build a broad pawn center with pawns on d4 and e4,
then strikes at it later with timely pawn breaks …c5 or …f5. The
resulting positions are among the most strategically and tactically rich
in chess opening theory.
Typical Move-Order & Key Branches
After 6…e5 the game usually continues 7. O-O, when Black chooses between:
- 7…Nc6 – the Main Line. Black keeps maximum tension and threatens …exd4 followed by …Re8 and …Bg4.
- 7…exd4 8. Nxd4 Re8 – the Makagonov System, aiming for …Nc6 and …Nxe4.
- 7…Na6 – the Petrosian Variation, in which Black prepares …c6 & …Nc7.
- 7…h6 (or earlier) – the Makagonov H-pawn system, discouraging Bg5.
Strategic Ideas
For White:
- Maintain the central pawns with d4–e4.
- Clamp down on Black’s thematic breaks …f5 and …c5.
- Launch a queenside expansion with c5, b4, a4, often supported by pieces on c3, b5, and a6.
For Black:
- Break the center with …f5 (King-side) or …c5 (Queen-side).
- Counterattack on the dark squares after exchanging the light-squared bishop (…Bg4 or …Na6–c5–e6).
- Use piece activity and pawn storms to generate a mating attack against the white king (…g5, …g4, …Qh4).
Historical Significance
The Orthodox Variation became fashionable after World War II when Soviet theoreticians—including David Bronstein and Isaak Boleslavsky— demonstrated its attacking potential. Garry Kasparov, Bobby Fischer, and Teimour Radjabov later used it as a primary weapon against 1.d4, scoring many memorable victories.
Illustrative Example
One of the most celebrated encounters is Fischer – Najdorf, Varna
Olympiad 1962, which followed the Orthodox lines and climaxed in a famous
sacrificial king-side attack.
Interesting Facts
- Because of its double-edged nature, the Orthodox Variation is a favorite choice when Black needs to play for a win.
- Computer engines evaluate many main-line positions as roughly equal, yet practical results heavily favor the better-prepared side.
- The line has produced world-championship novelties, most notably Kasparov’s 17…Rg8!! against Karpov in the 1985 title match.
Aronin-Taimanov Defense
Definition
The Aronin-Taimanov Defense is a solid but flexible reply to 1.d4 that
starts with a Benoni move-order:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5.
By delaying …c5 until White has committed to Nf3, Black avoids some of
the sharpest Modern Benoni lines (such as 4. e4) while still obtaining a
semi-open position with queenside counterplay. The variation carries the
names of the Soviet grandmasters Lev Aronin and Mark Taimanov, who
developed its theory in the 1950–60s.
Typical Continuations
- 4. d5 exd5 5. cxd5 d6 – The Modern Benoni structure without White’s f2-f4 or e2-e4 pawn storms; play often continues 6.Nc3 g6 7.e4 Bg7.
- 4. e3 d5 5. Nc3 – Transposes to a Tarrasch/QGD structure, keeping symmetrical central tension.
- 4. g3 cxd4 5. Nxd4 d5 – A Catalan-flavored setup in which Black achieves a healthy central pawn duo.
Strategic Themes
Black’s Goals:
- Develop quickly with …g6, …Bg7, and …O-O, pressuring the d-file.
- Undermine White’s center with …b5 or …Re8 & …e6-e5 breaks.
- Create queenside majority play in Benoni-type structures.
White’s Plans:
- Occupy central space with d5 or e4 when possible.
- Use the b5-square and the half-open a-file to restrict Black’s queenside counterplay.
- Exploit the long diagonal h1-a8 if Black fianchettoes.
Historical Notes
Lev Aronin introduced the setup in the early 1950s, searching for a dynamic alternative to the Nimzo-Indian. Mark Taimanov refined the move orders, employing the defense successfully against elite opponents such as Paul Keres and Tigran Petrosian. Although eclipsed by the more fashionable Modern Benoni in the 1970s, the line has been revived in recent years by players like Alexander Grischuk and Richard Rapport.
Example Game
Keres – Taimanov, USSR Championship semifinal, Riga 1958.
Interesting Tidbits
- The defense often confuses opponents who expect a Nimzo-Indian after 3…Bb4. Instead they face Benoni-style play but without their prepared “Modern Benoni” arsenal.
- Because early …c5 is inserted before …d5 by White, many database statistics show the Aronin-Taimanov scoring better for Black than the pure Modern Benoni.
- A number of rapid and blitz specialists—most notably Hikaru Nakamura—use this move order as a surprise weapon online.