The King’s Indian Attack: What It Is and How to Use It in Chess
June 30, 2026
Chess openings: What is the King’s Indian Attack?
Take your opening knowledge to the next level with the King’s Indian Attack!
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King’s Indian Attack: 4 quick facts
- Despite being a sound opening, the King’s Indian Attack is not commonly seen at the grandmaster level today, although it has been regularly played by famous players in the past.
- This opening mimics the Black setup from the King’s Indian Defense, but adapts it for White, giving it the related name King’s Indian Attack, sometimes abbreviated as “the KIA.”
- One of its key features is its flexibility, as it can be reached through a variety of move orders.
- The King’s Indian Attack is a closed opening that offers attacking chances for White. It can be played against a wide range of Black openings, including the Caro-Kann Defense.
King’s Indian Attack: the moves
Here are the moves for the King’s Indian Attack:
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1. Nf3 d5
2. g3
A flexible system for White
If you want to learn a White setup with flexible move order that can be used against a variety of Black openings, try the King’s Indian Attack!
If you’re looking for more openings, check out our guide featuring over 30 options for every skill level!