Another example of an unbalanced structure is the poisoned pawn sicilian najdorf.

Black compromises his kingside in return for a pawn grab.

Stigma wrote on 05/19/20 at 10:40:16:


Unbalanced positions entail dangerous structural compromises in return for dynamic play. The KID structures do not have dangerous structural compromises, such as fractured pawn structure and exposed king.

Stigma wrote on 05/19/20 at 10:36:06:

Stigma wrote on 05/19/20 at 10:36:06:


I would not characterize KID structures as unbalanced in and of themselves no. I would characterize the main line semi slav as unbalanced, however.

Heuristic wrote on 05/19/20 at 10:30:00:

Not the same thing. You can understand that there is a difference in that the moves 1.Nf3 and 1.e4 allow a different set of defences, but still wonder if one move order is better than the other and why.

Heuristic wrote on 05/19/20 at 10:30:00:

Would you characterize KID structures as unbalanced play? Most people do. (Hint: It's the same structure.)

Heuristic wrote on 05/19/20 at 10:02:27:

I went back and looked at the OP. The question was "would it be better to play e4 or nf3 on move one and why?" Not the same thing as "if there is any difference".

I don't know how much MTal knew about the move order differences, but it's just more charitable to start by assuming people know the basics.

In any case, most of these differences between the 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 move orders have been discussed in the thread already.

Heuristic wrote on 05/19/20 at 10:02:27:

Obviously not. What I meant was White is advised to play something else against it (and 1...e5 and 1...d5) if the goal is interesting, unbalanced play.

Stigma wrote on 05/19/20 at 08:46:35:


He asked if there is any difference. That is the difference. The pirc does not avoid the kings indian attack.

Heuristic wrote on 05/19/20 at 08:27:41:

I know that. Almost everybody here knows that. So your assuming MTal didn't know it may have been insulting (if you didn't catch the point of my sarcasm). I usually give people the benefit of the doubt and assume they know basic stuff like this unless they clearly show they don't.

Anyway, saying 1.e4 aiming for the KIA "makes no sense" is simply wrong. Lots of people do that, but they are aware they need something else against 1..e5, the Scandinavian and the Pirc/Modern.