King's Indian Defense: Averbakh Variation, Geller Defense (E73)

The Averbakh Variation, Geller Defense is a variation of the King's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E73. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bg5 Nbd7, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.

On the King's Indian Defense generally: A hypermodern defense where Black allows White to build a big center, then counterattacks it.

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King's Indian Defense: Averbakh Variation, Geller Defense — position after Nbd7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bg5 Nbd7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4g6
3Nc3Bg7
4e4d6
5Be2O-O
6Bg5Nbd7

ECO: E73

Stockfish: +0.69 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Averbakh Variation, Geller Defense?

The Averbakh Variation, Geller Defense goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bg5 Nbd7. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E73.

What is the ECO code for the Averbakh Variation, Geller Defense?

The Averbakh Variation, Geller Defense is ECO E73. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Indian Defense.

Is the Averbakh Variation, Geller Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bg5 Nbd7 at +0.69 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Averbakh Variation, Geller Defense lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.