Kings Indian Defense Larsen Variation
King's Indian Defense – Larsen Variation
Definition
The Larsen Variation is a branch of the King’s Indian Defense (KID) named after the innovative Danish Grandmaster Bent Larsen. It arises after the moves:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O
White adopts a classical set-up (Be2, Nf3, O-O) before deciding how to resolve the central tension. Unlike the more combative 7.d5 Mar-del-Plata line, Larsen’s 7.O-O keeps pieces flexible, aiming to choose between an eventual d4-d5 advance, c4-c5 space gain, or piece-play in the center.
Typical Move Order
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 g6
- 3. Nc3 Bg7
- 4. e4 d6
- 5. Nf3 O-O
- 6. Be2 e5
- 7. O-O (Larsen Variation)
After 7.O-O the most common replies are:
- 7…Nc6 (ECO A89) – often followed by 8.d5 Ne7 and typical King’s-Indian play.
- 7…Na6 (ECO A88) – Black reroutes the knight to c5 or b4, eyeing d3 and c4.
- 7…exd4 (older line) – leads to an early transformation of the center.
Strategic Ideas
- Central Flexibility: By castling first, White withholds the commitment of the c- or d-pawn, making it harder for Black to choose an accurate plan.
- Queenside Space: Plans with b2-b4 or c4-c5 can clamp down on Black’s counterplay and restrict the g7-bishop.
- Piece Activity: Typical piece placement for White includes Re1, Bf1–e2–f1 (re-manoeuvring), and sometimes Bg5 to provoke …h6.
- Black Counterplay: …f7-f5 breaks, a knight hop to f4 or h5, and the thematic …d6-d5 thrust are common ways to seize the initiative.
Historical Significance
Bent Larsen popularized the line in the 1960s and early 1970s, scoring numerous wins against elite opposition who were more accustomed to the sharper 7.d5 systems. By delaying d4-d5, Larsen steered the game into less-explored territory, in keeping with his reputation for off-beat yet sound openings.
The variation gained renewed attention when Garry Kasparov used it occasionally in the 1980s, notably defeating Ulf Andersson (Tilburg 1981) with a fluent kingside attack after a slow build-up.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The skeleton below shows common piece placement and plans rather than a full theoretical duel:
Key points:
- White seizes queenside space with b4 & a4, preparing a4-a5.
- Black keeps the center closed and will aim for …f5 or …Nh5-f4 to generate a kingside storm.
Examples from Master Play
- Larsen – Portisch, Belgrade 1969 – The originator out-maneuvered his opponent, winning after a thematic c4-c5 push.
- Kasparov – Andersson, Tilburg 1981 – Demonstrates how White can still attack the kingside despite seemingly neutral intentions.
- Anand – Topalov, Corus 2006 – A modern treatment where Anand used rapid queenside expansion to keep Topalov’s pieces cramped.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Bent Larsen once quipped, “If my opponent expects violence, I give him silence.” The Larsen Variation perfectly embodies this philosophy by postponing the central clash.
- The ECO codes A88–A89 are devoted entirely to the Larsen Variation and its sub-branches.
- World Champions Petrosian, Kasparov, Anand, and Carlsen have all played the line at least once, proof of its enduring soundness.
- Because the position often remains fluid for 10–15 moves, engines historically showed a near-equal evaluation, leading some grandmasters to choose the variation to neutralize heavy pre-game computer preparation.
When to Choose the Larsen Variation
Opt for this line if you:
- Prefer a solid structure with multiple plan options.
- Want to sidestep the heavy theory of the Mar-del-Plata (7.d5) or the Sämisch (5.f3).
- Enjoy maneuvering battles where pawn breaks can be delayed until a favorable moment.
In summary, the King’s Indian, Larsen Variation is a flexible weapon that combines classical development with modern strategic subtleties. It offers both sides rich middlegame possibilities while remaining less theorized than other main-line KID systems, making it a practical and intellectually rewarding choice for players from club level to top grandmaster play.