Beat the KID

Publisher: Quality Chess, 2008, Pages: 200, Paperback

The King’s Indian Defence is one of Black’s most ambitious and popular replies to 1.d4 so White needs to be well prepared. Jan Markos shows the way with three separate repertoires for White. Each of the lines he explains has a different style, ranging from solidly positional to wildly attacking.

The Bayonet Attack: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Be2 e5 7.0-0 Nc6 8.d5 Ne7 9.b4 This line is favoured by the elite and is regarded as the critical test of the King’s Indian.

Korchnoi has added more to the biggest main line in the King’s Indian than any other player, thus the line should be named after him: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Be2 e5 7.0-0 Nc6 8.d5 Ne7 9.Ne1 This line leads to wild complications and mutual attacks where the better-prepared player has a huge advantage.

Krasenkow has an overwhelming score with his pet line: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.h3 This is a strategic line where understanding is needed rather than memorization.

Jan Markos is a young grandmaster from Slovakia who has won many international tournaments.