Does anyone have a good recommendation for a helpful book/DVD for learning the King's Indian Defense? I want something intended for lower level players; something with discussions of the positions rather than just endless blocks of variations. I am interested in discussions from both Black's and White's perspective, either in the same book/DVD or in separate books.

Thanks for your input!

No such thing as "a" book on the kings indian defense.

You need somewhere around the range of 1000 to handle every defense white can throw at you

Well, there aren't many openings that can be exhaustively covered in a single book under a few hundred pages. I'm looking for something more like an introduction to help me dive into the complexities with some idea of the big picture.

Maybe no one has done something like that.

I recommend Mastering the King's Indian Defense by Robert Bellin and Pietro Ponzetto (http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Kings-Indian-Defense-Batsford/dp/0020306210). It focuses on the different pawn structures and the plans & tactics associated with the different pawn structures. It is out of print, but you can still get used copies online. The entire Mastering the Openings series by Batsford Books is exceptional.

You could also look up some of Bobby Fischer's games in a database. He was pretty fond of the KID.

Thanks all for your input. I ordered a used copy of the Bellin and Ponzetto book. This looks to be exactly what I was looking for but could not find!

Cheers.

If you want an introduction on the KID, I can recommend you "Starting Out: the king's Indian" (http://www.amazon.com/Starting-Out-Kings-Indian-Everyman/dp/1857442342) by Joe Gallagher, published by Everyman chess. It is well written and covers all the basic stuff, both for black and white. Once you are familiar with the basic theory, you can also read "Play the king's Indian" (http://www.amazon.com/Play-Kings-Indian-Complete-Repertoire/dp/1857443241/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236794371&sr=1-1) also by Joe Gallagher. Although it is not an introductory book, it gives a complete repertoire for black, Gallagher sharing his huge experience on this defense in a very skillful way. He is a good writer and gives explanations (often full of humour) about the position, rather than just a list of variations.

 Thanks, Vodac. I'll try to get a copy of the intro book first.