The King's Pawn Indian Opening, often simply referred to as the King's Indian Defence (KID), is a popular chess opening that begins with the moves:
1. d4 Nf62. c4 g6
The KID is a hypermodern opening, meaning that it was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by players who sought to challenge the traditional principles of chess strategy. The main idea behind the KID is to allow White to build a pawn center with d4 and c4, and then to attack that center with pieces rather than pawns.
Here are some reasons why to play the KID:
1. It's aggressive: The KID is a very aggressive opening that allows Black to put pressure on White's pawn center from the very beginning of the game. If you enjoy playing attacking chess and putting your opponent on the defensive, the KID might be a good choice for you.
2. It's flexible: The KID is a very flexible opening that can lead to a wide variety of positions. Black can choose to fianchetto their bishop with g6 and Bg7, or they can develop it to e7 or d6. Black can also choose to play with a pawn on e5 or e6, depending on the situation.
3. It's well-respected: The KID has been played by many of the world's top chess players, including Garry Kasparov, Bobby Fischer, and Viswanathan Anand. If you want to play an opening that is well-respected by chess professionals, the KID is a good choice.
However, there are also some reasons why you might not want to play the KID:
1. It's complex: The KID is a very complex opening that requires a deep understanding of chess strategy and tactics. If you are a beginner or intermediate player, you may find it difficult to navigate the many variations and subtleties of the KID.
2. It's risky: The KID is a double-edged sword. While it allows Black to put pressure on White's pawn center, it also involves some risk. If White is able to consolidate their center and launch an attack, Black can quickly find themselves in trouble.
3. It requires a lot of study: The KID is a very theoretical opening, meaning that there are many established lines and variations that you need to be familiar with in order to play it effectively. If you are not willing to put in the time and effort to study the KID, you may find it difficult to play well.
In summary, the King's Indian Defence is a popular and aggressive chess opening that offers Black many possibilities to attack White's pawn center. However, it is also a complex and risky opening that requires a deep understanding of chess strategy and tactics, as well as a lot of study. If you are willing to put in the time and effort to learn the KID, it can be a very rewarding opening to play. But if you are a beginner or intermediate player looking for a more straightforward opening, you may want to consider other options.