Chess Opening · A07
Kings Indian Attack
For sub-1000 ELO players
Against the King's Indian Attack (ECO A07), Black should build a solid center with d5 and c6, entering the King's Indian Attack main line. Stockfish 17 at depth 25 gives White only a +0.2 edge, and sub-1000 players typically mimic White's flank approach without understanding when to strike in the center, or they push d4 too early before completing development.
The Best Response
Moves to Play
White · Black alternating
1. Nf3 d52. g3 Nf63. Bg2 c6White opens with 1. Nf3 keeping the position flexible, and Black responds with 1...d5 to claim the center. White plays 2. g3 preparing the kingside fianchetto, and Black develops the knight to f6 to support the center. White completes the fianchetto with 3. Bg2 pressuring d5 along the diagonal, and Black plays 3...c6 to reinforce the d5 pawn and create a solid central structure.
Who Stands Better
(slight advantage for White)
Copy these moves:
1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 c6 4. O-O Bg43 Mistakes Sub-1000 Players Make
These are the patterns we see in games below 1000 ELO. Fix these and you'll stop losing to this opening.
Not Developing the Center
Beginners play flank moves and forget about central pawns, mimicking White's setup without understanding the underlying strategy. The KIA is a system opening, and copying it as Black gives White the initiative because White moved first.
O-OPushing d4 Too Early
Beginners push d4 before fully developing, wanting to play like a mainline 1. d4 opening. This allows White to undermine the pawn with c3 or simply develop around it, leaving Black's center overextended.
d3Ignoring the g2 Bishop's Scope
Beginners do not realize the bishop on g2 pressures d5 and the entire long diagonal. They block the diagonal with their own pawns or ignore it entirely, allowing White to build a strong position with the bishop bearing down on the queenside.
O-OWhy This Opening Trips You Up
The Core Problem
Sub-1000 players do not understand the KIA because it looks slow and without a clear plan. They do not see the danger in White's quiet buildup, and they either play too passively or overreact with premature pawn pushes in the center.
Before Your Next Game
The KIA is about preparation, not immediate aggression. Castle, play d3, then push e4 when the time is right. Do not rush. The attack comes naturally once your pieces are on ideal squares. As Black, play d5 and c6 and develop normally.
What to Study
Learn the typical e4 pawn break in the KIA and how to use it to open the center at the right moment. As Black, practice the solid d5-c6 setup and look for the right time to play e5 or develop the light-squared bishop actively.
Engine-verified by Stockfish 17 at depth 25. Reviewed by Jon Stenstrom, Chess.com 759 Daily, Founder, 1000elo.com.
Play this opening? See how it's actually working for you.
Enter your Chess.com username and get a free analysis of your last 10 games, including which opening patterns are costing you points.
Analyze My Games Free →