King's Indian Defense, Gligorić-Taimanov System

The Gligorić-Taimanov System appears when White answers Black's central e-pawn advance by moving the c1-bishop to e3. The coordinates c1 and e3 identify squares by file and rank. The bishop helps defend d4 and connects White's pieces while White delays the choice between advancing the d-pawn, exchanging it for the e-pawn, or castling, the special move that relocates the king and a rook together.

The position contains central tension: the pawns on d4 and e5 attack one another, but neither has captured. Keeping that tension preserves options while requiring careful answers to every possible exchange. Black may develop a knight to c6 or d7, jump the f6-knight to g4 to attack the bishop, or exchange pawns on d4 to change the structure.

The bishop on e3 looks quiet but can become a target. If the black knight jumps to g4, White must decide whether to allow the exchange, protect the bishop, or retreat it. In return, White avoids immediate commitment to the race on opposite wings, meaning simultaneous attacks on the two sides of the board, typical of the Mar del Plata, and can choose a structure according to Black's reply.