10

A main line in the King's Indian Defense is this 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6. However, black could castle instead of d6:

[FEN " "]
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 O-O

Is this a more-or-less inconsequential move order inversion or does white need to be careful to avoid some pitfall?

Specifically, in the usual mainline I would play the Sämisch Variation (5. f3) and it does not feel quite right to play f3 there right away, but maybe it is? If not, what should one do as a Sämisch player, Be3 right away?

Or, is this 4. ... O-O an error that white can try to exploit? If so, I assume the refutation ought to be 5. e5. But is this is good idea?

I am most interested in answers geared towards Class A or B players, but will be grateful for any input.

Improve this question
5
  • 7
    E5 is a weak move. Look at the game Martner vs Fischer.
    – Jimmy360
    Sep 1, 2017 at 23:04
  • 3
    Yes, Fischer sometimes used this move order, so it cannot be terrible. I guess one argument against it is "Why give white extra options?".
    – Dag Oskar Madsen
    Sep 1, 2017 at 23:13
  • 2
    One point of 4... 0-0 is simply to provoke e5, and to be prepared for what comes next. A lot of white players will play e5 if you castle on the 4th move. You might even catch them by surprise if they aren't familiar with the moves or ideas that follow. Thanks to @Jimmy360 for suggesting the Martner vs. Fischer game. That is a beautiful game.
    – ktm5124
    Sep 2, 2017 at 5:05
  • 2
    chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1008397
    – Fred Knight
    Sep 2, 2017 at 11:41
  • e5 is actually not a weak move. Theory has evolved since the Martner vs Fischer game. Check recent games and you will see this is a main line.
    – Ywapom
    Sep 22, 2017 at 22:32

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
15

In the vast majority of the cases, 4....d6 and 4....0-0 transpose into each other.

However, with 4....0-0 black keeps the option of playing c6 and d5. Recently, this idea has been played by GM Jobava, known for his original approach in the opening: Lupulescu-Jobava, So-Jobava and Vitiugov-Jobava.

About the last game, chess.com comments "Just giving away the g6-pawn. This reporter is at a loss". The engines do not approve Jobava's opening, but somehow he was able to create enough counterplay and to draw the game.

As you play the Sämisch, it makes sense to start with 5.Be3, as Ng4 is not possible. Clearly, 5....d6 6.f3 would transpose to your repertoire. After 5....c6, white has two popular ways to seize the initiative and to obtain an advantage: 6.e5 Ne8 7.f4 d6 8.Nf3 (e.g. Parligras-Fier) and 6.f3 d5 7.cxd5 cxd5 8.e5 Ne8 9.h4 (as in Vitiugov-Jobava). The former should result in a slight but stable advantage for white, while the latter leads to sharper play.


      [StartPly "7"]

      [FEN ""]
      1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 O-O (4...d6) 5.Be3 (5.f3) c6 (5...d6 6.f3) 6.f3 (6.e5 Ne8 7.f4 d6 8.Nf3) d5 7.cxd5 cxd5 8.e5 Ne8 9.h4
Improve this answer
1
  • The c6, d5 idea is very interesting to know about. Thank you for the detailed answer.
    – quid
    Sep 4, 2017 at 17:24

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.