King's Indian Attack: Yugoslav Variation (A07)

The Yugoslav Variation is a variation of the King's Indian Attack, catalogued as ECO A07. The line runs 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 b6 5. O-O, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on d5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.

On the King's Indian Attack generally: ECO A05. A chess opening with 18 known variations.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

King's Indian Attack: Yugoslav Variation — position after O-O a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 b6 5. O-O

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1c4e6
2Nf3d5
3g3Nf6
4Bg2b6
5O-O

ECO: A07

Stockfish: +0.46 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Yugoslav Variation?

The Yugoslav Variation goes 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 b6 5. O-O. It is a variation of the King's Indian Attack and is catalogued as ECO A07.

What is the ECO code for the Yugoslav Variation?

The Yugoslav Variation is ECO A07. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Indian Attack.

Is the Yugoslav Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 b6 5. O-O at +0.46 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Yugoslav Variation lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on d5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.