After 1...Nf6 Black controls the centre with pieces first. The King's Indian lets White build a big centre and attacks it later; the Nimzo-Indian pins the c3 knight to fight for e4.
Key principles
- In the KID, after d5 the kingside pawn storm ...f5–f4–g5 is Black's main plan
- White plays on the queenside with c5 when the centre is closed
- In the Nimzo, Black often gives the bishop pair for doubled c-pawns
Common mistakes
- Attacking on the wrong wing when the centre is closed
- Opening the position when you have doubled pawns