King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation, Donner Defense

A solid and flexible chess opening for Black, focusing on counterplay and pawn breaks in the center and on the queenside.

The opening is a popular choice among players who prefer a solid and flexible defense as Black. It is characterized by a pawn structure that allows for counterplay and pawn breaks in the center and on the queenside. Black's pawn structure is designed to create a strong central presence, while also providing opportunities for counterattacks on the queenside.

In this variation, Black aims to challenge White's central pawn structure by playing e5 and c6, while maintaining a solid pawn chain from d6 to g6. The fianchettoed dark-squared bishop on g7 plays a crucial role in supporting Black's central pawn breaks and exerting pressure along the long diagonal.

White's typical plan in this opening is to expand in the center and on the kingside, often with moves like d5 and f4. However, Black's solid pawn structure and active piece play can make it difficult for White to achieve a decisive advantage.

The Donner Defense is named after the Dutch Grandmaster Jan Hein Donner, who employed it with success in his games. It has been played by many top-level players, including former World Champions Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov.

Overall, this opening is a good choice for players who enjoy a solid and flexible defense with opportunities for counterplay. It can lead to rich and complex middlegame positions, where both sides have chances for victory.