The King's Indian Defense

From the Indian Games Openings, the King's Indian Defense is one of the most popular. Being relatively easy to play,  it is based on solid principles of development and counter attack and at the same time the complexity of the positions which arise, create spectacular combination and attacks. If White has four pawns at the center of the board during the opening, the variation is called the Four Pawns Attack.

In the King's Indian Defense, White masses his pawns to the center.  Black first develops its pieces, then tries to break White's center by means of various pawn advances.

SZUKSTA vs. TAL
Uppala, 1958
King's Indian Defense

1. d4, Nf6
2. c4, g6
3. Nc3, Bg7
4. e4, d6

Black's game can easily become seriously cramped unless he is prepared to take vigorous measures.

5. f3, 0-0
6. Be3, e5
7. N1e2, c6

White can now maintain a fine game with Qd2 followed by 0-0-0.

8. Qb3? .....

This foolhardy move was played to restraint Black from freeing his game with ....d5.

8. ..... exd4
9. Nxd4, d5!
10. cxd5, cxd5
11. exd5, Re8

The first point of Black's Pawn sacrifice.  But the best is yet to be.

12. Kf2 .....

12. ..... Nc6

Beautiful play.

13. dxc6, Rxe3

This is what Black has been leading up to.  It is clear that 14. Kxe3 will not do because of 14. ..... Bh6+, 15. f4 Bxf4+ with a winning attack for Black.

After 14. cxb7 Qxd4!, the continuation might be 15. bxc8+  (not bxa8/Q  Re8 dis ch, 16. Kg3  Nh5 mate)  Rxc8.  Now Black should win, as may be seen from the following variations: 16. Qa4 Rxf3 dis ch, 17. Kxf3 Rxc3+ winning White's Queen -- or 16. Kg3  Nh5+, 17. Kh3 Qd7+ with mate in the offing.

14. Rd1, Ng4+
15. fxg4, Bxd4
16. Rxd4, Qxd4
17. Qd5, Re2+

An exquisite resource.

18. Kxe2, Bxg4+
19. Ke1, Re8+
20. Be2, Rxe2

White resigns as he is about to lose his Queen.