Chessy
Indian Defense: Gedult Attack – Playing White in a Risky Opening
The Gedult Attack begins with 1.d4 Nf6 2.f3 d5 3.g4. Yes, you read that correctly — White pushes the g-pawn early, chasing the knight and grabbing space on the kingside. It is an unorthodox, aggressive line that tries to unsettle Black from move three. Before you play this opening, you need to know what you are getting into. Stockfish evaluates the position at -1.27, a clear edge for Black. That means you, as White, are clearly worse right from the start. But statistics across over 41,000 games show White still scores over 42% — so if you understand the key ideas and avoid the most common pitfalls, you can still fight. The drill below will help you navigate this tricky position.
Play the Indian Defense: Gedult Attack against the engine
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Jump into the interactive drill and practise handling Black's replies to the Gedult Attack. Create a free account to track your progress and master this tricky,
Create a free account →What You Are Fighting For
The Gedult Attack is a one-trick pony — but the trick is real. After 3.g4, White threatens g5, kicking the f6-knight and gaining time. If Black retreats passively, White can build a big centre with e4 next. The idea is to seize space, disrupt Black's development, and create attacking chances before Black coordinates. However, the engine says you are clearly worse, so this is not a tried-and-true line. You are gambling that your opponent will not find the most accurate responses. The drill starts right at this critical moment — Black to move after 3.g4. Your job is to handle whatever Black throws at you next.
The Engine's Top Reply: 4...c5
Stockfish's best move for Black after 3.g4 is c5, immediately challenging your centre. The engine's suggested continuation is 4.e3 Nc6 5.Ne2, with Black already standing better. In practice, c5 is played rarely — only 2,327 games out of 41,278 — and White scores a miserable 33.3% from there. That means if your opponent knows the best reply, you are in serious trouble. Still, knowing this line exists helps you prepare. If Black plays c5, you should respond with e3, solidifying your centre, then develop the knight to e2 to keep options open. Do not panic — stay calm, develop, and try to prove the engine wrong.
What the Statistics Reveal
The most popular Black replies and how White scores against each: - Nc6 (10,867 games): White scores 42.8% — this is the most common move, and your best result statistically. - h6 (10,022 games): White scores 40.4% — Black prevents g5, but wastes a tempo. - e6 (9,673 games): White scores 42.6% — a solid, classical response. - g6 (2,524 games): White scores 44.2% — your highest-scoring reply, so hope for this one. - c5 (2,327 games): White scores 33.3% — the engine's favourite, and your worst result. - h5 (1,119 games): White scores 46.5% — but wait, is 4...h5 actually good for you?
The One Mistake to Punish
The FACTS reveal one clear inaccuracy in this position: h5. If Black plays 4...h5, they have made a mistake that loses about 0.9 pawns in evaluation — the better move was c5. So when your opponent pushes the h-pawn, they are weakening their own kingside and handing you the advantage. You should be ready to capitalise. The stats back this up: White scores 46.5% after h5 — your highest win rate against any of the top replies. Learn to recognise this moment. If Black plays h5, do not panic — simply continue developing, keep your centre solid, and look for ways to exploit the weakness on h5 and the g-file in the middlegame.
Results across 41,278 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | 10,867 | 42.8% |
| h6 | 10,022 | 40.4% |
| e6 | 9,673 | 42.6% |
| g6 | 2,524 | 44.2% |
| c5 | 2,327 | 33.3% |
| h5 | 1,119 | 46.5% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gedult Attack sound for White?
No — the engine gives a -1.27 evaluation, meaning White is clearly worse after just three moves. It is an unsound, aggressive gambit-style line that relies on Black making a mistake. If your opponent knows the best replies, you will be fighting for equality at best.
What is the best move for Black against 3.g4?
The engine recommends **c5**, immediately challenging your centre. The continuation is c5 e3 Nc6 Ne2. This gives White a poor score of only 33.3% in practice, so be prepared for this line if you play the Gedult Attack.
Is 4...h5 a good move for Black?
No — **h5** is an inaccuracy that loses about 0.9 pawns compared to the best move (c5). White scores 46.5% after h5, making it your best-scoring scenario among the top replies. Punish it by developing calmly and using the weakness on the kingside.
How do I continue after 4...Nc6?
**Nc6** is the most common reply, and White scores a respectable 42.8% from there. The engine suggests continuing with natural development — play e3 to solidify the centre, then develop your knights. Do not overcommit with g5 immediately; keep your position flexible.