King's Indian Makagonov: 5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3 e5 7.d5 a5
King's Indian Defense – Makagonov System
5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3 e5 7.d5 a5
Definition
The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3 e5 7.d5 a5 is a mainline of the King's Indian Defense known as the Makagonov System, named after the Soviet master Vladimir Makagonov. White steers play away from the ultra-sharp F-pawn storms of the Classical (6.Be2) and Saemisch (5.f3) variations by restricting Black’s kingside piece play with the prophylactic 6.h3. Black counters with the thematic …e5 break and the space-gaining 7…a5, fixing the queenside structure and preparing …Na6, …Nc5 or …c6.
Typical Move Order
The canonical moves appear in the following order:
- 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6
- 5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3 e5
- 7.d5 a5
Note that 6.h3 can also be reached via the Fianchetto or 4.Nf3 move orders; the critical ideas, however, remain identical.
Strategic Themes
- White’s Aims
- Clamp down on the key …f7-f5 advance by controlling g4.
- Maintain a stable center on d5/e4 and slowly expand with c4-c5, Be3, Nd2-c4 or g2-g4 at the right moment.
- Exploit the extra space on the queenside where Black’s pawn chain (a5–d6) can become a target.
- Black’s Aims
- Undermine the white center with pawn breaks …c6 or …f5.
- Use the …a5 advance to fix the queenside and free the b6-square for a knight (…Na6-c5-b7-c5 themes).
- Create dynamic counterplay based on piece activity rather than immediate pawn storms.
Historical Background
Vladimir Makagonov introduced the 6.h3 idea in the late 1940s. The system was adopted by players seeking a solid yet ambitious answer to the ever-popular King’s Indian. It became a staple weapon for Tigran Petrosian, Vasily Smyslov, and later Garry Kasparov in his youth. Top grandmasters such as Fabiano Caruana and Ding Liren still employ the variation, attesting to its enduring strategic value.
Illustrative Games
Two classics worth replaying:
-
Petrosian vs. Gligorić, Belgrade 1959 — a model treatment of the queenside clamp. -
Kasparov vs. Karpov, World Championship (Seville) 1987, Game 16 — showcases the latent attacking potential behind the seemingly quiet 6.h3.
Tactical Motifs to Know
- Exchange Sacrifice on f3. Black sometimes plays …Nxe4 and …Bxc3, followed by …Nxe4 to ruin White’s structure if the g-pawn has advanced.
- The c4-c5 Break. White often prepares this with Rb1, Be3, and Nd2-c4, opening files toward Black’s b- and d-pawns.
- f4-f5 Counter-Punch. Even with h3 blocking g4, Black can still engineer …f5, especially after …Nh5–f4 or …Ne8–f6.
Modern Evaluations
Modern engines rate the Makagonov System as one of White’s most principled tries for an edge against the King’s Indian, scoring favorably in master practice. At the same time, the position remains rich in ideas for both sides, making it a frequent battleground in top-level play.
Interesting Facts
- Kasparov used 6.h3 twice against Deep Blue in their 1997 rematch, demonstrating faith in its solidity versus the computer’s tactical prowess.
- The move 7…a5, once thought passive, was popularized by Pentala Harikrishna and has since become Black’s main reply, keeping options flexible.
- Because the pawn on h3 limits both …Ng4 and …Bg4, many King’s Indian specialists consider this line one of the most annoying for Black.
Recommended Resources
- Opening Repertoire: The King's Indian Defense by David Vigorito – Chapter 7.
- The Modern Tiger: A Flexible System vs. the King's Indian by Emanuel Berg.
- Chessable course “King’s Indian: Makagonov-Petrosian” (advanced interactive lines).