ECO code: E65
Opening Name: King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto, Yugoslav, Exchange Variation
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 d6 5. g3 O-O 6. Bg2 c5 7. O-O Nc6 8. dxc5
Description: In this line, White adopts the fianchetto setup against the King's Indian Defense, aiming for a solid and flexible position. The key move 8.dxc5 is characteristic of the Exchange Variation, where White captures on c5 to challenge Black's pawn structure and gain space on the queenside. This move interrupts Black's typical central and kingside counterplay by exchanging a central pawn early.
Characteristic of 8.dxc5: This capture removes Black's c5 pawn, temporarily relinquishing central tension. It often leads to a position where Black tries to regain the pawn and maintain activity, while White seeks to exploit the structural imbalance and control of key squares.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this variation is generally more positional and solid than aggressively attacking, focusing on controlling key squares and limiting Black's counterplay. Black, on the other hand, often aims for dynamic counterattacks, especially on the kingside and in the center, so Black’s stance is typically more attacking.
Center Control: White’s 8.dxc5 move challenges Black’s central influence but does not aggressively seize the center in the traditional sense. Instead, it leads to a strategic battle over central and queenside pawns. Black tries to maintain or regain central pressure, while White solidifies control over key squares, making the center contest a central theme of the position.
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, Exchange, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #45 black