"King’s Indian/Pirc Defence"
The King’s Indian Defence is one of the most dynamic openings in chess - and Pirc structures share much of the same DNA. With colours reversed (the King’s Indian Attack), these setups can be just as powerful. What may look modest at first often transforms into highly complex middlegames, where timing, precision, and a deep feel for dynamics make all the difference.
In this video course, Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov explores the fascinating world of King’s Indian and Pirc structures with colours reversed, often arising from the French or Sicilian.
You’ll discover:
• Why legends like Kramnik, Botvinnik, and Bobby Fischer successfully employed these systems.
• The strategic plans and dynamic ideas White can use to build lasting pressure.
• How Black must respond with accuracy to avoid slipping into passive or worse positions.
Sokolov blends classical games with modern analysis, to show that success here is less about memorising theory and more about mastering recurring patterns and strategies. With these insights, you’ll gain a real edge in practical play - whether you’re seizing the initiative with White or countering the system with Black. A course for practical players, designed to sharpen your middlegame skills, and give you the confidence to thrive in dynamic King’s Indian and Pirc-type battles.
Contents
- Introduction
- Analysis
- Early Pawn Pushes: Strategic Risks
- Botvinnik - Pomar
- The Value of a Tempo
- Kramnik - Dragnev
- Misplaced Pieces
- Sevian - Gavrilescu
- Bishop or Pawn? The Power and Pitfalls of the Queenside Majority
- Salem - Abasov
- Strategic Structures and Timing
- Botvinnik - Pachman
- Delayed Central Breaks and Minor‑Piece Re‑deployment
- Mammadov - Sokolov
- Strategic Flexibility
- Ljubojevic - Kasparov
- Counterplay Timing vs. Commitment
- Fischer - Myagmarsuren
- Counterplay Timing & Practical Evaluation: Engines vs. Humans
- Edouard - Lagarde
- Structural Comparison and Strategic Implications
- Fischer - Ivkov
- The Role of Tempi
- Maghsoodloo - Sokolov
- The Knight on e7
- Firouzja - Sokolov
- Practice Position
- Position 1
- Position 2
- Position 3
- Position 4
- Training Questions
- Exercises with point system
- Exercises in ChessBase format
