ECO code: E65
King's Indian: Fianchetto, Yugoslav, 7.O-O cxd4
This opening arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 d6 5. g3 O-O 6. Bg2 c5 7. O-O cxd4. It is a well-known variation of the King's Indian Defense where Black challenges White's central control early by exchanging pawns on d4.
Characteristic of the move 7...cxd4: This capture is a thematic way for Black to contest the center and open lines for piece activity. By exchanging on d4, Black aims to undermine White's central pawn presence and create dynamic counterplay. This move often leads to a complex middlegame where both sides fight over central and kingside influence.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this move is generally considered attacking because it seeks active counterplay against White's center and prepares to challenge White's spatial advantage. For White, the position remains somewhat flexible; White often aims to maintain or regain central control and can opt for a more positional or attacking setup depending on how the game unfolds.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly involves fighting over the center. Black's ...c5 and subsequent ...cxd4 are aimed at challenging White's central pawns, making control of the center a key theme for both sides in this line.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the King's Indian: Fianchetto, Yugoslav, 7.O-O cxd4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #10 white