King's Indian Makogonov: 5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3 7.d5

King’s Indian: 5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3 e5 7.d5 (Makogonov Variation)

Definition

The sequence of moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3 e5 7.d5 defines the Makogonov (or “h3”) Variation of the King's Indian Defense. White’s 6.h3 prevents …Bg4 and …Ng4, clamps down on Black’s usual kingside counterplay, and prepares a slow-space-gaining strategy on the queenside or centre.

Move Order & Typical Position

After 7.d5 the board often looks like this:

• White pawns: d5, e4, c4 – a “broad centre” that cramps Black’s pieces.
• Black structure: …d6–e5–g6 – typical KID set-up aiming for …f5 breaks or Queenside counterplay with …c6 and …b5.

Strategic Themes

• Prophylaxis: 6.h3 restricts …Bg4 pin lines and keeps a knight from hopping to g4, giving White more freedom to play Be3, g4, or even Nd2–f1–g3 without worries.
• Space Advantage: By pushing 7.d5, White grabs queenside space and limits the scope of Black’s knights.
• Plan Flexibility:
  • Queenside Plan: a2–a4, b2–b4, c4–c5, and Nb5 are common, aiming at c7 and b6 squares.
  • Central & Kingside Plan: Nd2–f1–g3, g2–g4, and f2–f3 support an eventual f2–f4 thrust if Black over-commits.
• Black’s Counterplay:
  • Pawn Storm: …f5 is still thematic but harder to achieve because g4 is controlled.
  • Queenside Breaks: …c6 and …b5 try to pry open the long diagonal for the g7-bishop.
  • Piece Manoeuvres: …Na6–c5 or …Nbd7–c5, …Nh5–f4, and the classical …Ne8–f6 regroup are all seen.

Historical Background

The line is named after the Azerbaijani grandmaster Vladimir Makogonov (1904-1993), who popularised 6.h3 in the 1940s–50s. His aim was purely positional: stop annoying pins and build an iron grip on the centre. In the late 20th century the variation became a mainstream answer to aggressive KID systems, adopted by Karpov, Kramnik, and Carlsen. Modern engines also view it as one of White’s most reliable tests of the defence.

Illustrative Games

1. Vladimir Kramnik – Garry Kasparov, Linares 1994
   A model strategic win where Kramnik expanded on the queenside with a4, b4 and used the d5-outpost to dominate.
   
2. Magnus Carlsen – Teimour Radjabov, Wijk aan Zee 2012
   Carlsen demonstrated the flexible Nd2–f1–g3 manœuvre, eventually breaking through with f3-f4 when Black over-pushed on the queenside.
3. Tigran Petrosian – Boris Spassky, Candidates 1966
   Petrosian used the h3 system to stifle Spassky’s attacking ambitions and steer the game into a favourable endgame — a classic example of prophylactic thinking.

Typical Plans for Each Side

• White
  • Piece redeployment: Nf3–d2–f1–e3/g3, Be3, Bf1–e2.
  • Queenside advance: a4, b4, c5 leveraging space.
  • Central break: f2–f4 (often after g2–g4) to open lines if Black closes the queenside.
• Black
  • Classic break: …f5, sometimes preceding it with …Nh5.
  • Counter-centre: …c6 or …b5 undermining White’s pawn chain.
  • Minor-piece activity: …Na6–c5 or …Ne8–f6 hitting e4 and c4.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Makogonov himself rarely lost with this line; his protégés included future world champion Garry Kasparov.
• The variation was a key weapon in Kramnik’s unbeaten run with White against the KID from 1993-2003 (score: +5 =12 -0) .
• Engines show near-equality but over-the-board the line often leads to a “slow squeeze” style that many KID players dislike.

When to Choose It

Select the 6.h3 Makogonov if you:

• Prefer positional battles over sharp theoretical tactics.
• Like having a clear plan (queenside expansion) without allowing early forcing lines like the Mar del Plata (7.0-0).
• Want to cut down Black’s dynamic resources and challenge their patience.

Key Points to Remember

1. 6.h3 is prophylactic – make use of the extra move; don’t drift.
2. After 7.d5 space is yours; maintain it with piece coordination, not premature pawn moves.
3. Watch for the correct moment to play c4-c5 or f2-f4, switching wings when Black commits.