King's Indian Defense: Kramer Variation (E70)

The Kramer Variation is a variation of the King's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E70. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nge2, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.

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.

King's Indian Defense: Kramer Variation — position after Nge2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nge2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4g6
3Nc3Bg7
4e4d6
5Nge2

ECO: E70

Stockfish: +0.41 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Kramer Variation?

The Kramer Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nge2. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E70.

What is the ECO code for the Kramer Variation?

The Kramer Variation is ECO E70. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Indian Defense.

Is the Kramer Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nge2 at +0.41 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 Kramer Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.