King's Indian Defense: Averbakh Variation, Main Line (E75)

The Averbakh Variation, Main Line is a variation of the King's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E75. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bg5 c5 7. d5 e6, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d5 and e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven 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, Main Line — position after e6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bg5 c5 7. d5 e6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4g6
3Nc3Bg7
4e4d6
5Be2O-O
6Bg5c5
7d5e6

ECO: E75

Stockfish: +0.38 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Averbakh Variation, Main Line?

The Averbakh Variation, Main Line goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 O-O 6. Bg5 c5 7. d5 e6. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E75.

What is the ECO code for the Averbakh Variation, Main Line?

The Averbakh Variation, Main Line is ECO E75. 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, Main Line 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 c5 7. d5 e6 at +0.38 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 Averbakh Variation, Main Line lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d5 and e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.