← Orangutan Opening

Practice: Hypermodern (1...Nf6)

Black develops before committing

Black plays a King's Indian-style setup, fianchettoing the bishop before committing the centre pawns. White expands on the queenside with b5.

1. b4 Nf6
2. Bb2 g6
3. e3 Bg7
4. Nf3 O-O
5. Be2 d6
6. O-O c5
7. b5 b6
8. a4 a5
♟

Interactive practice board - requires JavaScript.

Use a chess board to memorise this line move by move. Your moves are checked against the correct sequence, with hints, a streak goal, and progress tracking.

Enable JavaScript or return to the opening page to see all available lines.

Key strategic ideas

  • White aims to control the b2-bishop long diagonal and expand on the queenside with b4-b5 or c4.
  • Black can challenge the b4 pawn immediately with ...e5 or ...c5, or build a solid centre with ...d5.
  • The early b4 can leave White queenside weakened if not followed up correctly, making it a risky but fun choice.

Common mistakes & traps

  • A common trap: 1.b4 e5 2.Bb2 f6?? 3.Bxe5! wins a pawn because the f6 pawn blocks the king's defence of e5.
  • If Black plays 1...e5 2.Bb2 d6?? 3.Bxd6! wins a pawn — the d6 pawn is undefended.

Pawn structure notes

The b4 pawn gives White a queenside space advantage but can become a target. The centre often remains fluid, with White playing e3 and c4 to build a broad pawn front.

Tips

  • Black's KID setup is flexible and solid — the g7 bishop eyes the centre
  • White pushes b5 to maintain queenside space and prevent ...c5 counterplay
  • The resulting positions are rich and strategic, similar to a reversed Pirc

About this line

This line is rated intermediate. Practice it repeatedly until you can play the entire sequence without thinking. The in-app trainer tracks your perfect streaks and celebrates milestones.