King's Indian: Four Pawns Attack, 5...c5 6.d5

King's Indian: Four Pawns Attack, 5...c5 6.d5

Definition

The Four Pawns Attack is one of the most ambitious replies to the King's Indian Defense (KID). After the standard moves

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f4, White occupies the entire centre with four pawns on c4-d4-e4-f4. Black’s most combative reply is 5…c5, immediately challenging that centre. White nearly always advances with 6.d5, gaining space but fixing the structure.

Typical Move Order

Core tabiya:

1.d4 Nf6  2.c4 g6  3.Nc3 Bg7  4.e4 d6  5.f4 c5  6.d5

• After 6…O-O, play usually continues 7.Nf3 e6 8.Be2 exd5 9.cxd5 with a Benoni-style structure.
• Black can also try the immediate break 6…e6 7.Nf3 exd5 8.e5 d4, entering sharp complications.

Strategic Ideas

• White aims for:
  • Massive spatial advantage in the centre and on the kingside.
  • The pawn lever e4-e5 to cramp Black and open lines for an attack on the kingside.
  • Rapid piece development: Nf3, Bd3, 0-0, Qe1-h4 or Qe2 for a direct assault.
• Black counters by:
  • Undermining the pawn wedge with …e6, …Re8, …b5 and …Nh5.
  • Targeting d5 and c4 to loosen White’s pawn chain.
  • Transforming into Benoni-type positions where piece activity outweighs space.

Historical Significance

The line was a favourite of hyper-modern pioneers such as Savielly Tartakower and David Bronstein, who believed that allowing White to over-extend would give Black rich counter-chances. While not as popular as the classical 6.Nf3, the Four Pawns Attack periodically resurfaces as a surprise weapon—particularly rapid and online play.

Famous Games & Illustrative Examples

1. Kasparov – Korchnoi, London 1983 Kasparov unleashed 7.Nf3 e6 8.dxe6!? Bxe6 9.Bd3, seized the initiative, and won a model attacking game.
2. Polgar – Kramnik, Amsterdam 1996 Demonstrated Black’s dynamic chances: after …Re8 …b5, Kramnik sacrificed a pawn and achieved strong counterplay.
3. Fischer – Myagmarsuren, Sousse 1967 An early example where Fischer showed how quickly the centre can collapse if Black mis-plays the breaks.

Mini-tactical motif:

Practical Tips

• White players should memorise forcing lines after 6…e6; a single inaccuracy can leave the e4-f4 pawns hanging.
• Black should time the pawn breaks …b5 and …f5 cautiously—too early and the centre may roll forward with e5.
• Endgames often favour Black, who can pressure isolated or backward central pawns once queens are exchanged.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The Soviet school dubbed the structure after 6.d5 the “Iron Curtain” because it permanently sealed the centre.
• Grandmaster Bent Larsen once remarked that the Four Pawns “lets White feel like a dictator—for about ten moves, until democracy strikes back.”
• The line enjoys a resurgence in bullet and blitz, where the straightforward pawn-storm is easy to play for White.

Why Study This Line?

Even if you never play it, understanding the 5…c5 6.d5 structure teaches vital lessons about:

• Space versus dynamic piece play.
• Pawn breaks and fixed centres.
• Transitioning between KID, Benoni, and Benko-type positions.