Polish Opening: King's Indian Variation
Polish Opening: King’s Indian Variation
Definition
The Polish Opening: King’s Indian Variation is a sub-line of the Polish (also called Orangutan or Sokolsky) that begins 1. b4 Nf6 2. Bb2 g6. In Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) it is catalogued as A00. The position is characterised by:
- White’s early flank expansion with the b-pawn and fianchettoed queen’s bishop on b2.
- Black’s King’s Indian–style set-up with …g6, …Bg7, …d6, and often …e5, aiming for central control and kingside counter-play.
The resulting struggle is an asymmetrical battle between White’s queenside space and long-diagonal pressure versus Black’s classical KID pawn structure and dynamic central breaks.
Typical Move Order
An illustrative sequence:
- b4 Nf6
- Bb2 g6
- e3 Bg7
- Nf3 O-O
- c4 d6
- Be2 e5
By move 6 Black has a textbook King’s Indian formation, while White has expanded on the queenside and left the c-pawn free to support b4–b5 or strike in the centre with d2-d4.
Strategic Themes
- Queenside Space for White: The pawn on b4 restrains …c5 and prepares b4-b5. Combined with c4, it can clamp down on the c-file and produce minority-attack motifs.
- Long Diagonal Pressure: The bishop on b2 eyes g7 and e5; if Black ever plays …e5-e4 prematurely, the d5-square may become weak.
- King’s Indian Counter-Play: Black seeks the typical breaks …e5 or …c5, and later …f5, generating kingside initiative. A timely …a5 can also undermine the b-pawn.
- Flexible Centre: Because neither side has committed the d-pawn early, both have options: White can choose d2-d4 or d2-d3, Black can adopt either a closed KID centre with …e5 or a Benoni-like structure with …c5.
Historical Context
The Polish Opening was popularised by the Polish master Savielly Tartakower, who debuted 1. b4 at the 1924 New York tournament, allegedly inspired by practicing in the zoo—hence the nickname “Orangutan.” The specific King’s Indian set-up for Black emerged later as players looked for logical ways to counteract White’s queenside fianchetto without committing their own central pawns too soon.
Representative Game
Kurt Richter – George Koltanowski, Antwerp 1931
The game shows White’s queenside tactics (b4-b5, a3) clashing with Black’s central and kingside thrusts. Eventually Black’s thematic …f5 and piece activity decided matters.
Typical Plans & Tactics
- For White
- b4-b5 to gain space and open the b-file.
- c4 and d4 pawn duo to seize the centre once pieces are developed.
- Sacrifice on e5 or g7 when the long diagonal opens.
- For Black
- …e5 followed by …Re8 and …e4, cramping White’s pieces.
- …a5 undermining the b-pawn, sometimes with a pawn sacrifice for activity.
- King’s Indian pawn storm: …f5, …g5, …f4 aiming at White’s king if castled short.
Transpositional Possibilities
The opening can transpose into:
- A Benoni after …c5, d4 cxd4, exd4.
- A reversed English–type position if White delays d2-d4 and Black plays …c5 early.
- A traditional King’s Indian Defence structure with colours reversed if White fianchettos the king’s bishop later (g3, Bg2).
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because the ECO assigns different codes by move order, the same pawn structure can arise from 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. b4 or even 1. c4 Nf6 2. b4, illustrating the “DNA” of the Polish is the early b-pawn push, regardless of how you get there.
- Grandmaster Richard Réti called 1. b4 “the best bad move,” praising its surprise value while admitting its theoretical shortcomings.
- Modern engines evaluate the line as roughly equal, appreciating the dynamic imbalance more than earlier “classical” analysts who deemed 1. b4 dubious.
Why Play (or Avoid) This Line?
- Play it if you:
- Enjoy taking opponents out of mainstream theory early.
- Like open diagonals and queenside initiative.
- Are comfortable with unbalanced pawn structures.
- Avoid it if you:
- Prefer classical central occupation from move one.
- Dislike playing against well-booked King’s Indian specialists.
- Are unfamiliar with subtle manoeuvring positions where concrete tactics may be delayed.
Summary
The Polish Opening: King’s Indian Variation marries the adventurous spirit of 1. b4 with the time-tested counter-punching of the King’s Indian Defence. It is theoretically sound, strategically rich, and an excellent weapon for players seeking complexity from the very first move.