King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO E61), reached after 11 half-moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. e3 d6 6. Be2.

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3 replies continue into sub-variations from this position. Click any to drill deeper.

6…Nbd7 2 lines
- E61 Exchange Variation
- E61 Queenside Storm Line
6…c6 1 line
- E60 Benoni Variation
6…Nc6 1 line
- E60 Hollywood Variation

About this opening

King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code E61. ECO group E (E00–E99) covers Indian defences against 1.d4, covering the Nimzo-Indian, Queen's Indian, King's Indian and Catalan systems. This particular variation is reached after 11 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. e3 d6 6. Be2.

It belongs to the King's Indian Defense family. Within that family this is a sub-variation (the Semi-Classical Variation line).

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.d4 Nf6, 2.c4 g6, 3.Nc3 Bg7, 4.Nf3 O-O, 5.e3 d6, 6.Be2. From this position 3 named continuations are recorded in the encyclopaedia, each leading to a distinct theoretical line.