ECO code: E73
King's Indian Defense: Averbakh Variation arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bg5. In this line, White develops the bishop to g5, pinning Black's knight on f6.
Characteristic of the Move 6. Bg5: This move aims to exert pressure on Black's kingside knight, which plays a key role in Black's central and kingside control. By pinning the knight, White seeks to limit Black's flexibility in counterplay and prepare for a potential central or kingside initiative.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this variation is primarily attacking, as White looks to challenge Black's setup by increasing control over key squares and preparing for central or kingside operations. Black's position remains solid and flexible, often adopting a defensive stance initially, planning counterattacks later in the game.
Control of the Center: White's setup with pawns on d4 and e4 clearly establishes strong central presence. The move Bg5 supports this strategy by restraining Black's knight and thus indirectly influences Black's ability to contest the center effectively. Overall, this opening emphasizes central control with an eye toward dynamic play on the kingside.
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 Defense: Averbakh Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #7 black