7. Modern Variation with 6...Na6 and Rapid c6
The move 6...Na6 avoids the closed lines typical of the Mar del Plata: the Knight reaches c5 quickly, while ...a5 and ...b6 consolidate its position preventing White's b4 push.
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 Na6 7.O-O e5 8.d5 Nc5 9.Qc2 a5 10.Bg5 h6 11.Be3 b6 12.Nd2 Bg4
Move by move
- 1.d4 – White occupies the center with the Queen's pawn: it controls e5 and c5 and paves the way for the c1 Bishop and the Queen.
- 1...Nf6 – Black develops the Knight and controls e4 and d5: it prevents an immediate 2.e4 and prepares the King's Indian setup.
- 2.c4 – White gains central space with the c-pawn: it controls d5 and prepares Knight development to c3.
- 2...g6 – The signature move of the King's Indian: Black prepares the fianchetto of the Bishop on g7 to target the center from afar.
- 3.Nc3 – White develops the Knight toward the center: it protects d5 and prepares full central conquest with e2-e4.
- 3...Bg7 – The Bishop takes position on the long h8-a1 diagonal: it controls the central d4 and e5 light squares and shields the King.
- 4.e4 – White sets up the classical center with the d4 and e4 pawns: it controls plenty of space but provides a clear target for Black's counterplay.
- 4...d6 – Black restrains White's e4-e5 advance, protects the central dark squares, and prepares the thematic ...e5 counter-strike.
- 5.Nf3 – Classical development of the King's Knight: it controls d4 and e5 and prepares rapid kingside castling.
- 5...O-O – Black secures the King with kingside castling before opening the center; the f8 Rook will support the future ...f5 push.
- 6.Be2 – White develops the Bishop to e2 in solid and positional fashion, preparing kingside castling without obstructing other pieces.
- 6...Na6 – The modern 6...Na6 variation: the Knight develops on the rim to reach c5 without blocking the c8 Bishop.
- 7.O-O – White completes kingside castling, continuing normal mobilization while waiting for the center to clarify.
- 7...e5 – The thematic strike: Black plants the pawn on e5, establishing the classic King's Indian central presence.
- 8.d5 – White locks the center with d5 to avoid central tension and gain space on the queenside.
- 8...Nc5 – The Knight occupies the golden c5 outpost, hitting the e4 pawn and controlling the b3 square.
- 9.Qc2 – The White Queen defends the e4 pawn and positions on the c-file to prepare queenside advances.
- 9...a5 – Indispensable prophylaxis: it prevents White's b2-b4 push which would dislodge the Knight from c5.
- 10.Bg5 – The Bishop comes out to g5 to pin the f6 Knight and disrupt Black's kingside coordination.
- 10...h6 – Black challenges the Bishop immediately, asking whether it intends to retreat or concede the bishop pair.
- 11.Be3 – The Bishop retreats to e3 attacking the c5 Knight and renewing the threat to trade it off.
- 11...b6 – Crucial consolidating move: the b6 pawn defends c5 so that if White exchanges, Black keeps sturdy pawns.
- 12.Nd2 – White frees the f-pawn and prepares f3 or f4, relocating the Knight toward central defense.
- 12...Bg4 – Black proposes trading light-squared bishops: removing the e2 defender reduces pressure and prepares ...f5.
How to exploit the position
Black has placed a solid Knight on the c5 outpost and challenged White's light-squared Bishop with 12...Bg4, maintaining a flexible and resilient setup.
- Trade the Bishop on e2 with ...Bxe2 to deprive White of a key defender and ease positional pressure.
- Prepare the ...f5 break by retreating the f6 Knight to d7 or h7 after bishop trades.
- Use the c5 Knight to keep constant pressure on the e4 pawn and prevent White's b4 push.
- Use the Queen on d7 or e7 to connect Rooks and double on the f-file or the open file.
Master tips
The Knight outpost on c5
With the combination ...Na6, ...Nc5, ...a5, and ...b6 the Knight occupies c5 permanently, paralyzing White's queenside.