King's Indian Attack · A07
Keres Variation, after 2... c6, through 8... Bd6
1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c6 3. Bg2 Bg4 4. O-O Nd7 5. d4 Ngf6 6. c4 e6 7. cxd5 exd5 8. Nc3 Bd6
An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as White's avenue and the e-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Zukertort Opening.
- 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. g3 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via g2. Theory calls this the King's Indian Attack.
- 2... c6 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 20 in the King's Indian Attack. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.