King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Double Fianchetto Attack (E64)

The Fianchetto Variation, Double Fianchetto Attack is a variation of the King's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E64. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. g3 d6 5. Bg2 O-O 6. O-O Nbd7 7. Nc3 e5 8. b3, reaching the position shown below after 15 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after eight moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.

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

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.

Position characteristics

• Contested centre
• Same-side castling

Related King's Indian Defense lines

• Fianchetto Variation, Panno Variation
• Fianchetto Variation, Panno Variation, Blockade Line
• Fianchetto Variation, Panno Variation, Donner Line
• Fianchetto Variation, Panno Variation, Korchnoi Line
• Fianchetto Variation, Hungarian Variation
• Fianchetto Variation, Pterodactyl Variation
• Fianchetto Variation, Yugoslav System
• Fianchetto Variation, Yugoslav Variation, Rare Line
• Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation
• Semi-Classical Variation, Hollywood Variation
• Fianchetto Variation, Benjamin Defense
• Semi-Classical Variation

See all 112 King's Indian Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Fianchetto Variation, Double Fianchetto Attack?

The Fianchetto Variation, Double Fianchetto Attack goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. g3 d6 5. Bg2 O-O 6. O-O Nbd7 7. Nc3 e5 8. b3. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E64.

What is the ECO code for the Fianchetto Variation, Double Fianchetto Attack?

The Fianchetto Variation, Double Fianchetto Attack is ECO E64. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Indian Defense.

Is the Fianchetto Variation, Double Fianchetto Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. g3 d6 5. Bg2 O-O 6. O-O Nbd7 7. Nc3 e5 8. b3 at +0.43 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 Fianchetto Variation, Double Fianchetto Attack lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.