King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation

Chess players often initiate their opening move with 1.e4 or 1.d4. When White plays d4, they control the central squares on the board, which is a priority in the initial stages of the game. The move also prepares White's pieces for developing rapidly and improves their chances of castling safely. What follows once Black responds with Nf6 and White plays c4, is the potential for a King's Indian Defense, a popular opening with a range of variations to surprise White.

Black's move Nf6 counters White's d4 and immediately stakes a claim on the central square. By putting pressure on the pawn, Black hopes to disrupt White's control of the board and prompt them to make moves that could limit their development. Nf6 often sets the stage for Black's dark-squared bishop to join the game and put additional pressure on the board. It is also a flexible move that could instead lead to other popular openings like the Nimzo-Indian or Queen's Indian Defense.

White's move c4 is a strong response to Black's Nf6, as it controls the central squares and opens up possibilities for White's pieces to become active. By advancing the pawn to c4, White prepares for future moves like d5 or Nc3. These moves put pressure on Black's position and restrict their options for developing their pieces. Additionally, the move opens up a line for White's queen, which could lead to pinning or threatening Black's pieces.

In the King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation, Black's move g6 is a common response to White's c4. By playing g6, Black prepares to fianchetto their king's bishop, which could become an important defender of the king or act as a threat to White's pieces. The move also reinforces Black's hold on the central squares and prepares for future moves in the opening. In sum, it is a flexible move that could lead to different variations, such as the Pirc Defense or Modern Defense, depending on White's next move.

White's move Nc3 is a natural development move in the King's Indian Defense. By bringing the knight to c3, White attacks Black's pawn on d5 while controlling the central squares, which is so important in the opening. The move also prepares White's other pieces for development and sets the stage for castling, where the king can be safe and the rooks can be connected. Additionally, Nc3 could be a part of a broader strategy that involves launching an attack on the kingside. With the pawn on g6, Black's position could become vulnerable to specific tactics.

In the King's Indian Defense, following the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3, Black's move Bg7 executes their plan to fianchetto the bishop and forms an effective diagonal that controls several important squares. It also prepares the bishop to combine with the pawn on d6 to put additional pressure on White's central pawn chain. Furthermore, by placing the bishop on g7, Black's king is afforded a greater degree of safety from attacks. In some cases, the bishop can also be used to launch an attack on the kingside or provide cover for a pawn storm that could break open the center.

In the King's Indian Defense, Sämisch and Orthodox Variations, White's move e4 is a dynamic attempt to gain more control over the center of the board. The move takes advantage of Black's king bishop being unleashed and initiates a race to control more space on the board. e4 also prepares the way for White's pieces to become more active and exert pressure on Black's position. In some lines, the move can lead to a pawn push to e5, which could provoke weaknesses in Black's structure. In sum, e4 is an integral part of White's strategy to secure control of the board and launch tactical attacks.

In response to White's move e4 in the King's Indian Defense, Black's move d6 is often played to solidify their defense of their central pawn and restrict White's pieces. The move also serves to develop Black's dark-squared bishop, which, combined with the bishop on g7, creates a strong bishop pair controlling several important squares. Furthermore, the pawn on d6 is an important defender of the king, which becomes even more necessary in a highly tactical opening like the King's Indian Defense. D6 also prepares Black for the possible move e5 by White, which could trigger an exchange in the center of the board.

White's move f3 in the King's Indian Defense is a pawn push that aims to create a solid pawn chain and gain more space on the board. The move prepares the way for White's knight on e2 to follow and maintain control over the central squares. f3 also restricts Black's ability to play e5, and can shut down some strategies that aim to undermine White's control of the center. However, the pawn move also comes with a downside - by moving the pawn to f3, White is creating a potential weakness on the kingside, as the pawn might become a target for Black's pieces to attack. In sum, f3 is a flexible move that balances the need for space with the need for defensive solidity.

In the King's Indian Defense, Sämisch and Orthodox Variations, Black's move O-O (castling kingside) is a logical response to White's move f3. By castling, Black secures the king's safety and begins to mobilize the rooks, increasing their potential to get involved in controlling the center of the board. The move also unites the king and rook, which is an important aspect of a strong defense against potential attacks from White. Additionally, castling creates space for Black's knight on f6 to become more active. In sum, O-O is a strong move that sets Black on a solid path towards developing their pieces and increasing control over the center of the board.

White's move Be3 in the King's Indian Defense is a natural development move that aims to connect the rooks and maintain a strong presence in the center. By placing the bishop on e3, White supports the pawn on d4 and puts pressure on Black's position. Additionally, the bishop eyes the pawn on f6, a potential weakness that could become a target for future tactics. Be3 also prepares White's rooks for double-firing and controlling the open files, which is an important aspect of the middlegame. In sum, the move contributes to White's strategy of dominating the center and mobilizing their pieces for tactical attacks.

In response to White's move Be3 in the King's Indian Defense, Black's move e5 is a dynamic attempt to undermine White's control of the center of the board and become more active. The move immediately challenges White's pawn on d4 and puts pressure on the knight on c3. Moreover, the move opens up a diagonal for the dark-squared bishop on g7, which becomes more powerful and increases Black's potential for tactical attacks. While the move also exposes the king to potential checks and threats, the benefits of gaining control and disrupting White's position often outweighs that risk. In sum, e5 is a strong move that allows Black to increase their chances of building a winning game.