1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
King's Indian, Gligorić System
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.Be3ECO E92
White meets the Classical King's Indian with the flexible 7.Be3, keeping options open between locking the centre (d5) and maintaining the tension. Named for Gligorić, it's a subtle, well-respected main line that tries to improve on the immediate 7.O-O or 7.d5.
Key ideas
- 7.Be3 eyes …Ng4 ideas and keeps the choice of d5 or dxe5 in reserve, staying flexible.
- Black replies with …Ng4 (hitting the bishop) or the standard …Nc6/…exd4 and …f5 plans.
- It's a nuanced battle over the central tension before the usual King's Indian pawn-storm race.
Who it suits
1.d4 players who want a flexible, well-regarded main line against the King's Indian.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the King's Indian, Gligorić System move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer