Kings Indian Defense Makogonov Variation
King’s Indian Defense, Makogonov Variation
Definition
The Makogonov Variation is a branch of the King’s Indian Defense that arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. h3. It is named after the Soviet master Vladimir Makogonov (1904-1993), who refined and popularized the line during the 1940 s and 1950 s. The key idea is the quiet pawn move 5.h3, which restricts Black’s usual kingside counterplay by preventing …Bg4 pins and preparing g2-g4 in some lines.
Typical Move Order & Position
One common sequence runs:
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 g6
- 3. Nc3 Bg7
- 4. e4 d6
- 5. h3 O-O
- 6. Nf3 e5
- 7. d5
After 7.d5 the position features:
- White: Pawns on d5, e4, c4, h3; Knights on f3, c3; Bishop often f1 or e2; flexible plans on queenside or kingside.
- Black: A typical King’s Indian structure (…e5, …d6, …Nf6, …O-O) with chances for …f5 pawn break or …c6 undermining d5.
Strategic Ideas
For White:
- Clamp down on …f5: 5.h3 and later g2-g4 make Black think twice about the thematic …f7-f5 thrust.
- Flexible Pawn Storm: White may expand on the kingside with g4, Be3, Rg1, h4, especially if Black delays …exd4.
- Queenside Play: Alternatively, White can adopt a more positional plan with Be3, Qd2, Rc1 and b2-b4-b5, echoing themes from the Saemisch.
- Strong d5 Outpost: After locking the center, the d5-pawn cramps Black’s pieces and supports a c4-c5 break.
For Black:
- Timely …c6 or …b5: Counterattacking on the queenside to undermine d5 and open lines for the dark-squared bishop.
- Delayed …f5: Preparing the break with …Nbd7, …Nh5, and sometimes …f5 once the g-pawn has advanced and become a target.
- Piece Activity: Using the g7-bishop and maneuvers like …Ne8-c7-a6 or …Nh5-f4 to generate dynamic chances.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
In the 1950 s, Makogonov employed 5.h3 as a practical anti-King’s-Indian weapon, influencing Smyslov, Botvinnik, and the Soviet school. The line enjoyed a renaissance during the 1984-85 Karpov–Kasparov World Championship matches, where it served as part of Karpov’s anti-Kasparov arsenal. With modern engines, the Makogonov remains theoretically sound; it is a favorite of many grandmasters who wish to avoid the razor-sharp main lines of the Classical (7…Nc6) or Mar del Plata (7…Na6) systems.
Illustrative Game
Anatoly Karpov – Garry Kasparov, World Championship (Game 11), Moscow 1984
Though Kasparov ultimately prevailed tactically, this game showcases recurring Makogonov themes: White’s early h3 and g-pawn thrusts versus Black’s queenside counterplay and center breaks.
Modern Practice
Elite players such as Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Ding Liren have used the Makogonov as a low-maintenance, high-strategic option. Online databases show the line scoring slightly above average for White in rapid and blitz, reflecting the practical annoyance of facing …h3 setups under time pressure.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Vladimir Makogonov was renowned for his endgame technique and once coached a young Garry Kasparov; ironic that Kasparov later had to face his coach’s pet line against Karpov.
- The h-pawn move on move five violates classical opening principles (delaying development), yet strategically it embodies hyper-modern ideals: controlling key squares (g4 & f5) with a pawn rather than a piece.
- Because h3 can transpose to the Saemisch after f2-f3, some opening books list 5.h3 under both Makogonov and Saemisch chapters.
- Many club players mistakenly call any King’s Indian with h2-h3 the “Makogonov,” but technically the name is reserved for the immediate 5.h3 move order.
Summary
The Makogonov Variation is a flexible, strategically rich anti-King’s-Indian system that controls key dark-squares, delays Black’s kingside break, and offers White the choice of a steady squeeze or a direct pawn storm. Its solid pedigree, from Makogonov to Karpov to present-day super-GMs, keeps it a vital component of contemporary opening repertoires.