ECO code: E91
King's Indian Defense: 6.Be2 c5
The moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 c5 introduce a key thematic pawn break for Black in the King's Indian Defense. By playing ...c5, Black challenges White's central control, aiming to undermine the d4 pawn and contest the long-term influence of White's center.
Characteristic of the move: The ...c5 break is a hallmark of many King's Indian setups, signaling Black’s intent to counterattack on the queenside and create dynamic imbalance. It seeks active play rather than passive defense, often leading to complex middlegame battles.
Attacking or defensive: For Black, ...c5 is an attacking move, initiating counterplay against White’s center and queenside structure. White’s setup with Be2 is flexible and solid, primarily aiming for a strong central presence; White is generally on the offensive in the center and kingside, while Black counters actively on the queenside and center.
Center control: This opening phase focuses heavily on the center. White establishes a strong pawn center with d4 and e4, while Black's ...c5 challenges that center directly. Thus, the opening is very much about fighting for control of the center, with both sides seeking to influence and undermine each other's central pawns.
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: 6.Be2 c5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #27 black