Makogonov System – Definition
Makogonov System
Definition
The Makogonov System is a variation of the King’s Indian Defense (KID) that arises after the moves
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. h3.
With the quiet pawn push 6.h3, White prevents …Bg4 and …Ng4, clamps down on Black’s usual kingside counterplay, and keeps the option of developing the light-squared bishop to e3 or g5. The system is named after the Azerbaijani grandmaster and noted theoretician Vladimir Makogonov (1904-1993), who used it successfully in the mid-20th century.
Historical Background
Makogonov introduced 6.h3 in the 1930s–40s as a universal antidote to the aggressive plans of the classical KID. His treatment inspired many notable players, including Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov, and, more recently, Magnus Carlsen, to adopt the line when they wanted a solid yet flexible approach against the King’s Indian.
- First high-level appearance: Makogonov – Bondarevsky, USSR Ch. 1944.
- World Championship usage: Karpov employed it against Kasparov in the 1984/85 title match to avoid the sharp Mar del Plata main line.
Typical Move Order & Main Ideas
After 6.h3 the most common continuations are:
- 6…e5 7.d5 a5 (or 7…Na6) 8.Bg5
- 6…c5 7.d5 e6 (transposing to a Benoni-type structure)
- 6…Nbd7 7.Be3 e5 8.d5
Key strategic themes for White:
- Keep a firm grip on the g4-square, thwarting Black’s traditional plan …f5 followed by …f4.
- Win space on the queenside with queenside pawn advances (b4, c5) while maintaining a flexible kingside structure.
- Reposition pieces harmoniously: Nh2-g4, Be3, Qd2, long castle if safe, or play a slower plan with Be2 and short castles.
For Black, the goals are:
- Break with …e5 or …c5 and later …f5 if circumstances allow.
- Counterattack on the dark squares with maneuvers such as …Nh5, …Nf4, or …Ne8-d6-f5.
Illustrative Example
The following rapid game shows how flexible the Makogonov can be in modern practice:
Carlsen – So, Chessable Masters 2020 (rapid).
White employs the Makogonov to steer the game into a strategic battle. Eventually, Carlsen’s queenside expansion and piece activity overpower Black.
Strategic Significance
Because it suppresses Black’s classic pawn storm, the Makogonov often leads to positions resembling a mixture of KID, Benoni, and even Catalan structures. Its versatility makes it a favorite for:
- Universal repertoires — players can use the same setup against both …e5 and …c5 structures.
- Match play — it limits Black’s sharpest counterplay, useful in high-stake events.
- Rapid/Blitz — easy-to-remember plans over concrete theory.
Common Tactical Motifs
- Exchange sacrifice on f5 — Rxf5 to dismantle Black’s pawn shield (as shown in the example game).
- g-pawn thrust — g4–g5 questions the knight on f6 and opens lines toward the black king.
- c4-c5 break — opens the queenside when Black delays …e5.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Makogonov was also a renowned coach; among his students was a young Garry Kasparov, who later used the system himself.
- In the 1984 World Championship match, Kasparov switched to Gruenfelds only after Karpov’s persistent use of the Makogonov blunted his King’s Indians.
- The setup is so solid that some engines at very fast time controls score above 55 % for White, though at depth it remains theoretically balanced.