Four Pawns Attack start
White has the broad d4, c4, e4 and f4 centre.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3
King's Indian Four Pawns Attack: Adviser, Diagrams and Replay Lab
The King's Indian Four Pawns Attack is White's biggest space grab against the King's Indian Defence: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4. White builds the d4, c4, e4 and f4 centre, while Black must strike back with ...c5, ...e6, ...exd5, ...b5, ...Bg4 or central pressure.
Four Pawns Attack quick map
This is White's broadest central setup against the King's Indian Defence.
- Core line:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4. - Main Black counter:
...c5 and ...e6. - White space plan:
d5, e5 and f5 breaks. - Black side counterplay:
...b5, ...Bg4 and ...Re8.
Four Pawns Attack Adviser
Choose your side, branch, problem and study time. The adviser points to the diagram or replay group that best fits the four-pawn centre.
Key King's Indian Four Pawns Attack diagrams
These python-chess checked diagrams use final-move arrows from each displayed sequence: Nf3, ...c5, d5, ...e6, ...exd5/cxd5, ...b5 and ...Bg4.
...c5 counter
Black attacks d4 before White's centre rolls forward.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3 c5
d5 space
White gains space, but Black gains fixed targets.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3 c5 7.d5
...e6 tension
Black undermines d5 and prepares central exchanges.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3 c5 7.d5 e6
...exd5 and cxd5
White keeps space; Black gets open lines and pressure.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3 c5 7.d5 e6 8.Be2 exd5 9.cxd5
...b5 counterplay
Black hits c4 and opens queenside counterplay.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3 c5 7.d5 b5
...Bg4 pressure
Black pressures the f3 knight and makes the centre harder to coordinate.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3 c5 7.d5 e6 8.Be2 exd5 9.cxd5 Bg4
King's Indian Four Pawns Attack Replay Lab
The replay selector uses supplied Four Pawns Attack PGNs only, grouped by ...c5/e6 structures, ...exd5, ...b5 counterplay, ...Bg4 pressure, ...Na6 and central ...e5 systems.
Recommended first pass: Christiansen vs Kasparov for Black's counterattack, Piket vs Nunn for White's central resources, and Piket vs Shirov for ...b5 counterplay.
Four Pawns Attack Branch Map
King's Indian Defence parent
This page is the 5.f4 Four Pawns Attack branch. Return to the King's Indian Defence page.
Sämisch comparison
If White supports e4 with f3 instead of playing f4, compare the Sämisch Variation page.
Classical comparison
If White uses Nf3 and Be2 without f4, compare the Classical Variation page.
Averbakh comparison
If White uses Be2 and Bg5 pressure, compare the Averbakh Variation page.
Study plan for White
- Learn how the four-pawn centre reacts to ...c5 and ...e6.
- Compare d5 space, e5 breaks, f5 attacks and the dangers of overextension.
- Use the Replay Lab to study one White central win and one Black counterattack win.
Study plan for Black
- Choose an active counter before the game: ...c5, ...e6, ...exd5, ...b5 or ...Bg4.
- Do not allow White's centre to advance without tactical resistance.
- Use the Adviser to match your counterplay route to White's centre structure.
King's Indian Four Pawns Attack FAQ
King's Indian Four Pawns Attack basics
What is the King's Indian Four Pawns Attack?
The King's Indian Four Pawns Attack is White's most space-gaining setup against the King's Indian Defence, using d4, c4, e4 and f4. Use the Four Pawns Attack start diagram.
What is the exact move order of the Four Pawns Attack?
A standard move order is 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4 O-O 6.Nf3. Use the Four Pawns Attack start diagram.
Why is it called the Four Pawns Attack?
It is called the Four Pawns Attack because White builds a broad four-pawn centre with d4, c4, e4 and f4. Use the Four Pawns Attack start diagram.
Is the Four Pawns Attack part of the King's Indian Defence?
Yes. It is one of White's major anti-King's Indian systems. Use the Branch Map to return to the King's Indian Defence page.
What is White's main idea in the Four Pawns Attack?
White wants maximum space, central control and attacking chances before Black's counterplay breaks the centre. Use the Adviser with side set to White.
What is Black's main idea against the Four Pawns Attack?
Black tries to undermine White's centre with ...c5, ...e6, ...exd5, ...b5, ...Re8 or piece pressure. Use the Adviser with side set to Black.
Is the Four Pawns Attack sharp?
Yes. It is one of the sharpest King's Indian systems because White grabs space and Black must react energetically. Use the Replay Lab.
Is the Four Pawns Attack good for club players?
Yes, if club players understand pawn breaks rather than only memorising moves. Use the diagram grid.
Main Black counters
What is Black's ...c5 idea?
...c5 immediately attacks White's d4 centre and asks whether White will advance d5 or exchange. Use the ...c5 counter diagram.
Why does White play d5 after ...c5?
White plays d5 to gain space and restrict Black's pieces, but it also gives Black fixed targets and counterbreaks. Use the d5 space diagram.
What is Black's ...e6 idea?
...e6 challenges the d5 chain and opens central lines if White cannot maintain control. Use the ...e6 tension diagram.
What happens after ...exd5 and cxd5?
After ...exd5 and cxd5, White keeps space but Black gets open lines and pressure against the centre. Use the ...exd5/cxd5 diagram.
What is Black's ...b5 idea?
...b5 is queenside counterplay that attacks c4 and can create Benko-style pressure. Use the ...b5 counterplay diagram.
What is Black's ...Bg4 idea?
...Bg4 pressures the knight and e2 bishop setup, making it harder for White to coordinate the centre. Use the ...Bg4 pressure diagram.
What is Black's ...Re8 idea?
...Re8 supports central breaks and can punish e4 or e5 advances. Use the Replay Lab's ...Re8 group.
What is Black's ...Na6 idea?
...Na6 develops flexibly and often heads to c7 or c5 while Black prepares central counterplay. Use the Replay Lab's ...Na6 group.
Plans for White
How should White handle the big centre?
White should use the centre dynamically, not just defend it. The key is knowing when to play d5, e5, f5 or central exchanges. Use the Adviser with side set to White.
When should White play d5?
White should play d5 when closing the centre gives space and prevents Black's pieces from reaching ideal squares. Use the d5 space diagram.
When should White play e5?
White should play e5 when it gains time on a knight or opens attacking lines without giving Black easy counterplay. Use the Replay Lab.
When should White play f5?
White should play f5 when it creates kingside threats or opens the f-file without leaving e4 and d5 too weak. Use the Replay Lab's attacking examples.
Why does White often develop Be2?
Be2 supports castling, keeps the bishop flexible and helps White meet Black's central pressure. Use the ...exd5/cxd5 diagram.
Why does White sometimes play Bd3?
Bd3 adds attacking pressure on the kingside and supports e4-e5 ideas, but it can be exposed to ...c4 or ...Ng4. Use the Replay Lab's Bd3 examples.
What is White's biggest mistake?
White's biggest mistake is overextending the four-pawn centre and then allowing Black to break it with tempo. Use the Adviser with problem set to overextension.
How should White study the Four Pawns Attack?
White should study one ...c5/e6 game, one ...exd5 game, one ...b5 game and one Black counterplay win. Use the Replay Lab optgroups.
Plans for Black
How should Black meet the Four Pawns Attack?
Black should attack the centre quickly with ...c5, ...e6, ...exd5, ...b5, ...Bg4 or ...Re8. Use the Adviser with side set to Black.
When should Black play ...c5?
Black should play ...c5 early when White's centre is broad but not yet fully supported. Use the ...c5 counter diagram.
When should Black play ...e6?
Black should play ...e6 when White has advanced d5 and the d5/e4 chain can be undermined. Use the ...e6 tension diagram.
When should Black play ...b5?
Black should play ...b5 when queenside counterplay against c4 is more effective than immediate central liquidation. Use the ...b5 counterplay diagram.
When should Black use ...Bg4?
Black uses ...Bg4 when the f3 knight is a key defender of the centre and White's Be2 setup can be inconvenienced. Use the ...Bg4 pressure diagram.
Why is development important for Black?
Black cannot simply wait because White's four-pawn centre may roll forward. Active development gives the breaks tactical force. Use the Replay Lab.
What is Black's biggest mistake?
Black's biggest mistake is allowing White to build the four-pawn centre without striking back. Use the Adviser with problem set to counterplay.
How should Black study the Four Pawns Attack?
Black should study one ...c5 game, one ...e6 break, one ...b5 counter and one model Black win. Use the Replay Lab.
Replay Lab and model games
Which Four Pawns Attack replay should I watch first?
Start with Christiansen vs Kasparov for a classic Black counterattack, then compare Piket vs Nunn for White's central resources. Use the Replay Lab selector.
Which replay shows ...c5 and ...e6 structures?
Christiansen vs Kasparov, Kozul vs Nunn, Piket vs Nunn, Vaisser vs Georgiev, Jobava vs Bologan, Jobava vs Radjabov and Banikas vs Radjabov show ...c5 and ...e6 structures. Use the ...c5/e6 replay groups.
Which replay shows ...b5 counterplay?
Piket vs Shirov, Lautier vs Rogers, Jobava vs Kotronias, Li Chao vs Zhao Jun and Moranda vs Markowski show queenside ...b5 or related counterplay. Use the ...b5 replay groups.
Which replay shows ...Bg4 pressure?
Kozul vs Nunn, Lautier vs Sutovsky, Vaisser vs Glek, Jobava vs Kotronias and Moranda vs Markowski show ...Bg4 pressure structures. Use the ...Bg4 replay group.
Which replay shows White winning with central pressure?
Piket vs Nunn, Vaisser vs Georgiev, Lautier vs Rogers, Jobava vs Bologan, Jobava vs Radjabov, Jobava vs Kotronias and Sokolov vs Papaioannou show White resources. Use the White-result replay groups.
Which replay shows Black winning with counterplay?
Christiansen vs Kasparov, Kozul vs Nunn, Piket vs Shirov, Vaisser vs Glek, Jankovic vs Kozul, Pantsulaia vs Inarkiev, Shabalov vs McShane and Li Chao vs Zhao Jun show Black resources. Use the Black-result replay groups.
Should I study every Four Pawns replay?
No. Start with one ...c5/e6 model, one ...b5 model, one ...Bg4 model and one Black counterattack win. Use the Replay Lab optgroups.
Which replay is the best warning game for White?
Christiansen vs Kasparov is a strong warning game because Black breaks down the centre and then turns activity into a kingside and central attack. Use the Replay Lab selector.
Practical repertoire choices
Should White play the Four Pawns Attack?
White should play it if they want maximum space and are ready to handle immediate counterplay. Use the Adviser with side set to White.
Should Black fear the Four Pawns Attack?
Black should respect it but not fear it. The correct reaction is active central and queenside counterplay. Use the Adviser with side set to Black.
Is the Four Pawns Attack more aggressive than the Sämisch?
Yes. The Sämisch supports e4 with f3, while the Four Pawns Attack pushes f4 and grabs more space immediately. Use the Branch Map.
Is the Four Pawns Attack good in rapid and blitz?
Yes, but only if White knows the key central breaks. Otherwise Black's counterplay can arrive very quickly. Use the Replay Lab.
Is the Four Pawns Attack risky?
Yes. White takes space, but overextension is a real risk if Black's ...c5, ...e6 or ...b5 breaks work. Use the Adviser.
What should I study after this page?
After this page, study the Sämisch Variation, Classical Variation, Averbakh Variation, Fianchetto Variation and Benoni structures. Use the Branch Map links.
How should I use this page for training?
Use one diagram to learn the centre, one Adviser recommendation to choose a plan, and one Replay Lab group to see that plan in action. Use the Adviser first.
What is the fastest way to learn the Four Pawns Attack?
Learn the starting centre, then compare Black's ...c5, d5, ...e6, ...exd5, ...b5 and ...Bg4 replies. Use the diagram grid first.
Next step
Use this page as the dedicated Four Pawns Attack lab. Start with the four-pawn centre, then compare ...c5, d5, ...e6, ...exd5, ...b5 and ...Bg4 in the Replay Lab.
Want to connect this opening with wider opening principles?
Study opening principles with practical examples
Help Support Kingscrusher & Chessworld:
To ensure your purchase directly supports my work, please make sure to select the 🔘 'Buy this course' (individual purchase) radio button on the Udemy page. This also grants you lifetime access to the content!
To ensure your purchase directly supports my work, please make sure to select the 🔘 'Buy this course' (individual purchase) radio button on the Udemy page. This also grants you lifetime access to the content!
♛ Chess Strategy Guide – Practical Planning & Decision Making
This page is part of the Chess Strategy Guide – Practical Planning & Decision Making — Learn how to form clear plans, identify targets, improve your pieces, prevent counterplay with prophylaxis, and convert advantages with confident long-term decision-making.
♘ Chess Openings – Complete Guide
This page is part of the Chess Openings – Complete Guide — Learn how to start the game confidently without memorising endless theory — develop smoothly, control the centre, keep your king safe, and reach middlegames you truly understand.
Also part of: Mega Chess Openings Glossary