King's Indian: 4.e4 O-O 5.e5
King's Indian: 4.e4 O-O 5.e5
Definition
The move sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 O-O 5.e5 introduces the main line of the King’s Indian Defence (KID) in which White grabs spatial advantage in the centre with a pawn on e5, while Black accepts a cramped position in return for dynamic counter-play. From here the game usually continues with 5…d6, entering the Classical System (ECO codes E90–E99, most famously the “Mar del Plata” Variation).
Typical Move-Order
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 O-O 5.e5 d6 6.Nf3 Nfd7 7.e6!? … or 6…Nc6, 6…Bg4, etc. The precise order can vary, but the tabiya always features White pawns on d4 & e5 versus Black pawns on d6 & e7.
Strategic Themes
- Space versus Counter-Play: White’s pawn on e5 gains space and cramps the black knight on f6; Black plans a pawn break with …e7-e5 or …c7-c5 to undermine White’s centre.
- Kingside Attack for Black: After …e5 or …f5 Black often launches a pawn storm (…f5-f4, …g6-g5) aiming at White’s king.
- Queenside Expansion for White: White typically plays c4-c5, b2-b4, a2-a4, and sometimes b4-b5, seeking play on the opposite wing.
- Piece Placement:
- Black: Nd7-f6-h5/f8, Bc8 on g4 or f5, rook to e- or f-file.
- White: Knight reroute Nf3-d2-c4/e4, dark-square bishop to e3, queen to d2, rooks to c1 & e1.
Historical Significance
The Classical System with 4.e4 O-O 5.e5 became fashionable in the 1950s thanks to Soviet grandmasters such as David Bronstein and Efim Geller. Bobby Fischer adopted it as Black in the 1960s, and Garry Kasparov later made it a central part of his opening repertoire, scoring many brilliant attacking wins. The line’s sharp, double-edged nature led to iconic battles and shaped modern understanding of dynamic imbalance in chess.
Illustrative Games
- Fischer – Petrosian, Candidates Final (game 3), Buenos Aires 1971
]] A model attacking game where Fischer broke through with …f5 and a thematic exchange sacrifice on f3. - Kasparov – Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999 Although beginning with a different move-order, the middlegame structure arose from the 5.e5 line. Kasparov’s stunning rook and queen sacrifices culminated in what many call the “Game of the Century” (modern era).
- Nakamura – Radjabov, London Chess Classic 2011 Demonstrates contemporary theoretical nuances with an early h2-h3 and g2-g4 clamp, showing the line’s enduring relevance.
Typical Plans for Each Side
- White
- Queenside majority advance: c4-c5, b2-b4-b5.
- Prophylaxis against …f7-f5 using 9.h3 or 9.Bg5.
- Pressure on the d-file once Black plays …e7-e5, often exchanging dark-square bishops with Be3 – h6.
- Black
- Breaks: …e7-e5 (central) or …c7-c5 (queenside) to undermine d4.
- Kingside pawn storm: …f7-f5-f4, …g6-g5-g4.
- Piece sacrifices on g3, h3, or f4 to rip open files toward the white king.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster David Bronstein once said, “In the King’s Indian Black gives up the centre but takes over the rest of the board.”
- The Mar del Plata sub-variation (named after the 1953 zonal in the Argentine resort) is notorious for producing decisive results; drawing percentages are among the lowest of all main-line openings.
- Computers long assessed the resulting positions as slightly better for White, yet elite grandmasters still adopt the KID as Black because practical winning chances are extremely high.
- The line is a favourite of creative attackers such as Hikaru Nakamura and Teimour Radjabov in modern top-level play.
When to Choose This Line
Pick the 4.e4 O-O 5.e5 King’s Indian if you:
- Enjoy complex, double-edged battles with chances for both sides.
- Aren’t afraid to play with a cramped position (as Black) in the opening phase.
- Prefer long-term strategic plans over short tactical skirmishes, knowing that middlegame fireworks are almost guaranteed.
Summary
The sequence 4.e4 O-O 5.e5 is the main gateway to the Classical King’s Indian, embodying the clash between space and dynamism. Its rich history, strategic depth, and sparkling examples make it essential study for any player seeking to master modern dynamic chess.