Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • TCW Academy
    • iChess
    • Chess-Teacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman Chess Lab
    • Foxy Chess
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
    • Rules Chess Strategies
    • Improve My Chess
    • Others
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

5 King’s Indian Defense Games You Must Know

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
01.29.2018
Category: Openings
Tags: defense, fischer, kasparov, King's Indian, Larsen, openings, spassky,
5 King’s Indian Defense Games You Must Know

King’s Indian Defense has a well-deserved reputation for spectacular battles often terminated with a massacre on White’s kingside castle.

What’s most popular than the King’s Indian Defense against 1.d4? Probably nothing.

The philosophy behind this defense has always been the same, black plays a kingside fianchetto regardless of what white plays and then he attacks the center, and depending on what kind of pawn structure arises black will attack one flank or the other, but the goal is the same black plays for the mate!

The King’s Indian has been played by absolutely every attacking player from Tal to Fischer and to Kasparov, but also many other great names like Geller, Gligoric, and Bronstein. It is no surprise that the King’s Indian Defense continues to be the same killer weapon nowadays.

There are so many beautiful games played in this opening that we decided to select 5 classics that every adept of the King’s Indian Defense will recognize. This was not an easy task, but we are happy with our selection. For those who these games will be revealed for the first time, you won’t have better inspiration to play the King’s Indian.

King’s Indian Defense Game 1:

kings indian

Black to play and Win! Bronstein – Zita 1946

Bronstein is one of the many who contributed to the development of this wonderful defense. In this game, he executes a geometrical combination that is difficult to forget once you have seen it. Note how all of the pieces play an important role at the decisive moment.

Game 2:

game 2

Black to play! Najdorf, M – Gligoric, S Mar del Plata 1953

This is the so-called Mar del Plata variation to which the GM Svetozar Gligoric contributed greatly. To this day this variation is one of the sharpest and definitely among the most feared by white. In this early game, we can see with clarity the main ideas and the potential of Black’s setup.

Definitely a model example.

King’s Indian Defense Game 3:

kings indian 3

 Black to play! Taimanov – Najdorf Zurich 1953

This is one of the greatest games of this classic tournament and one that should be studied closely, for in it you can find pretty much all the plans and tactics that black wants out of this defense.

At the time white didn’t know what the best way to play against black’s setup was and even if he was fully developed and ready to attack black’s queenside, the dynamics around the white king offer black better possibilities.

In the diagrammed position we find a common theme in the King’s Indian, can you find it?

Game 4:

game 4

Black to play and win! Larsen,B – Fischer,R Denver 1971

Although Fischer is not often credited as one of the main exponents of the King’s Indian defense [you can get the full course on it], he played a great number of games with this opening and used it to beat several strong players of his time like Spassky or Larsen. In this game, we can see Bobby crush his opponent in only 33 moves with a strong attack along the F-file.

King’s Indian Defense Game 5:

kings indian 5

Black to play! Piket,J – Kasparov,G Tilburg 1989

Back then when Kasparov was an absolute monster way above the competition and he used to crush everyone, this game took place. Everyone with a decent chess culture must know this game and remember the stunning move black played here. This is one game that shows how black is literally sacrificing his whole queenside in return for a fierce attack against white’s king.

Looking for more on this opening? We also recommend reviewing 7 Best Games and Uncompromised: Plans with c6 and Na6.

Not only Kasparov did conduct the attack in a splendid way but he also gifted us with a remarkable finish that will stay forever in our memory.

We hope you have enjoyed our selection of games in the King’s Indian and if you know any other great game that deserves to be on the list, feel free to let us know.

Ready to start winning games with King’s Indian defense? Check out our store and articles:

  • The King’s Indian Defense – GM Bryan Smith [80/20 Tactics]
  • The King’s Indian Defense – Lemos Deep Dive – GM Damian Lemos
  • 5 King’s Indian Games You Must Know

Thank you for reading!

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • Play King’s Indian Structures Like Bobby FischerPlay King’s Indian Structures Like Bobby Fischer
  • How to Face Unpleasant Chess Openings?How to Face Unpleasant Chess Openings?
  • Learning New Opening in 4 Easy Steps: A Master’s GuideLearning New Opening in 4 Easy Steps: A Master’s Guide
Related Products
4 1 vote
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz