King's Indian Defense, Makogonov Variation

The Makogonov Variation is defined by an early advance of White's pawn from h2 to h3. The coordinates h2 and h3 name squares by file and rank. From h3, the pawn controls g4 and prevents Black's f6-knight from using that square to attack a bishop developed to e3 or g5. The same pawn may later support a g-pawn advance, although that plan is not compulsory.

The move neither develops a piece nor occupies the center, so it spends an opening move. Its value lies in limiting a concrete Black idea while preserving several White setups: developing the bishop to e3, moving the g1-knight to f3, advancing the g-pawn, or delaying the king's placement. Black can use the time to challenge the center with the e-pawn or c-pawn.

The variation illustrates the difference between prevention and simple slowness. A preventive move stops a concrete opposing idea; it is merely slow if that idea was never important. White must use the control of g4 to place the pieces purposefully. Unlike the Averbakh Variation, which develops the bishop directly to g5, the Makogonov first controls the knight route and leaves the bishop's square open.