Kings Indian Defense: Four Pawns Attack (Normal Line)
King's Indian Defense: Four Pawns Attack (Normal Line)
Definition
The King’s Indian Defense – Four Pawns Attack (often shortened to “KID 4 Pawns”) is a sharp, space-grabbing system beginning with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f4. White advances four central pawns (c-, d-, e-, and f-pawns) to seize maximum central space, while Black adopts the typical King’s Indian setup and prepares to undermine the expanded center with pawn breaks such as …e5 or …c5.
How It Is Used in Play
The Four Pawns Attack usually leads to the so-called Normal Line after:
- 5…O-O 6. Nf3 c5 7. d5 e6 8. Be2 exd5 9. cxd5 Re8.
From here the game develops into a classical central confrontation:
- White’s plan: maintain the big pawn center, support it with pieces (Be2, 0-0, Qc2, Rb1), and often launch a kingside pawn storm with f5 or e5 followed by g4.
- Black’s plan: attack the base of the pawn chain with …Re8–…b5 or …c4, or strike at e4 with …Nxe4 and …Bxc3, sometimes followed by the thematic Knight tour …Nf6-g4-e5.
Strategic Significance
- Space vs. Flexibility: White’s pawns claim territory but can become over-extended; Black keeps a compact formation and aims at counter-punching.
- Pawn Break Timing: The success of …e6-e5 or …b5 hinges on precise timing—too early and Black’s center collapses, too late and White’s initiative rolls on.
- King Safety: Both sides castle kingside, so opening files (f- and g-files for White, e- and c-files for Black) create direct king pressure.
Historical Notes
The line was fashionable in the 1920s–40s, championed by aggressive players such as Frank Marshall and Isaac Boleslavsky. Interest revived in the computer era when engines suggested new resources for both sides, yet top-level use remains rare because of its razor-sharp theoretical nature—one misstep may be fatal.
Illustrative Example
In the game Kasparov – Radjabov, Moscow Blitz 2002, Kasparov demonstrated model central control:
[[Pgn| d4 Nf6|c4 g6|Nc3 Bg7|e4 d6|f4 O-O|Nf3 c5|d5 e6|Be2 exd5|cxd5 Re8|e5 dxe5|fxe5 Ng4|Bg5 Qa5|O-O Nd7|e6 fxe6|dxe6 Rxe6|Bc4 Nde5|Nxe5 Nxe5|Bxe6+ Bxe6|Qd6 Re8|Ne4 Nf7|Rxf7 Bxf7|Nf6+ Bxf6|Qxf6 Qb6 * ]]Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Marshall’s Surprise. In Marshall – Réti, New York 1924, Marshall unleashed the 4 Pawns when it was virtually unknown, winning a sparkling attacking game.
- Engine Influence. Modern engines sometimes evaluate the position as “objectively equal” but with huge practical swings—making it a favorite of fearless club players and rapid-time-control specialists.
- Psychological Weapon. Many KID experts fear the variation because it sidelines their beloved kingside pawn-storm (…f5, …g5) plans; instead they must play concrete, tactical chess from move 6.
Related Concepts & Transpositions
- Can transpose to a Benoni-esque structure if Black plays …c5 and White answers dxc5.
- After 5…c5 6. d5 e6 7. Nf3 exd5 8. cxd5, we reach structures similar to the Modern Benoni without …g6.
- White can sidestep into the Saemisch by playing 5. f3 instead of 5. f4.
Practical Tips
- For White: Know your pawn breaks (e5, f5, g4) and avoid needless pawn moves that leave squares (e.g., d4) weak.
- For Black: Time the …e6-e5 break only after adequate preparation (…Re8, …Na6, …Nc7), and be ready for tactical shots on f7.
- Endgame Alert: If the queens come off but White keeps the big pawn center, Black’s minor pieces may prove more mobile—be ready to trade a pawn for activity.