Chessy
Polish Opening: King's Indian Variation, Schiffler Attack
After 1.b4 Nf6 2.Bb2 g6 3.e4, you reach a sharp and unusual position with Black to move. The engine likes Black slightly here, so your job as White is not to force tactics at any cost, but to understand the setup and stay accurate in the first critical reply. This drill helps you recognise the most common continuations, avoid the known slips, and play the position with a clear plan rather than guesswork.
Play the Polish Opening: King's Indian Variation, Schiffler Attack against the engine
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Create a free account →What this opening is really asking of you
This line is about space on the queenside and in the centre, but it is also about restraint. You have advanced the b-pawn and e-pawn early, so your piece activity matters a lot. The bishop on b2 is a key part of the setup, and your next moves should support it rather than leave it drifting. Because the position is already slightly better for Black according to the engine, you need to keep development smooth and avoid drifting into a passive middlegame.
The main reply to know
Stockfish rates this -0.29, a small edge for Black. That means you are slightly worse here.
The engine’s best move is c6, with the idea shown by c6 Nf3 Bg7 a3. In practical terms, you should expect Black to reinforce the centre and keep building with natural moves. Your task is to stay solid, finish development, and make sure your queenside play does not become a target.
What the database says happens most often
This exact position has been reached in 57,433 games at Lichess, so there is plenty of practical experience behind it. The most common continuation is Bg7, seen in 34,806 games, and White scores 43.9% there. Another very common choice is d6, with 18,261 games and a White score of 42.1%.
The smaller continuations also matter because they tell you where opponents can go wrong. After e5, White scores 45.6% in 2,293 games. After Rg8, White scores 54.7% in 762 games. After e6, White scores 53.4% in 416 games, and after Nc6, White scores 60.1% in 348 games.
The mistakes to punish or avoid
The database flags three moves as mistakes or inaccuracies in this position, and they all share the same lesson: do not help White’s piece activity unnecessarily. Rg8 is a mistake and loses about 1.3 pawns; the better move was Bg7. e6 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.7 pawns; again, Bg7 was better. Nc6 is also an inaccuracy and loses about 0.8 pawns; once more, Bg7 was the stronger choice.
For you as White, the practical takeaway is simple: keep an eye on whether Black is following a sensible kingside development plan, and be ready to take advantage if they do not.
Results across 57,433 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bg7 | 34,806 | 43.9% |
| d6 | 18,261 | 42.1% |
| e5 | 2,293 | 45.6% |
| Rg8 | 762 | 54.7% |
| e6 | 416 | 53.4% |
| Nc6 | 348 | 60.1% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Polish Opening: King's Indian Variation, Schiffler Attack good for White?
It is playable, but the engine gives Black a small edge here. That means you should treat it as a practical weapon rather than a line that promises an advantage for White. Accurate development matters more than trying to grab the initiative too quickly.
What is the best reply for Black after 1.b4 Nf6 2.Bb2 g6 3.e4?
The engine’s best move is c6. The suggested continuation is c6 Nf3 Bg7 a3, which shows Black aiming for a steady, natural setup. In the drill, you should learn how to handle that without losing the thread of your own position.
Which move happens most often in this position?
Bg7 is the most-played continuation, with 34,806 games. It is also the move you will see when the position is handled in a standard way. The stats show that this is the main practical branch to know.
What mistakes should I watch for in this opening?
The listed mistakes are Rg8, e6, and Nc6. Each is judged worse than Bg7 in the database, so they are useful signs that Black may be drifting away from the best setup. If Black chooses one of them, you should be ready to press your advantage in development and piece activity.
How many games feature the Polish Opening: King's Indian Variation, Schiffler Attack?
Over 57K Lichess games have reached the Polish Opening: King's Indian Variation, Schiffler Attack position. White wins 43.9%, Black wins 52.1%, with 3.9% draws — based on real rated games.