Karpov System

The Karpov System is a branch of the Makogonov Variation, 5. h3, of the King's Indian Defense. The pawn on h3 takes the g4-square away from Black's knight and light-squared bishop. After 5...O-O, White can therefore develop the bishop at once with 6. Be3 without fearing ...Ng4. The aim resembles that of the Sämisch, which also secures e3 for the bishop. Here, however, the f-pawn stays at home and the g1-knight keeps its natural route to f3.

Black's most common reply is the thematic 6...e5. It challenges d4 and asks whether White will close the center with d5 or maintain the tension. 6...Nbd7 and 6...Nc6 are the other frequent choices. Engines also favor the flexible 6...Na6 and the Benoni-style 6...c5, which strikes at d4 from the flank. The engine assessment gives White a slight edge. In practice results are close to level, with White scoring marginally better in online games.