King's Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Standard Development (E73)

The Normal Variation, Standard Development 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, 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.

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King's Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Standard Development — position after Be2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4g6
3Nc3Bg7
4e4d6
5Be2

ECO: E73

Stockfish: +0.44 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Normal Variation, Standard Development?

The Normal Variation, Standard Development goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E73.

What is the ECO code for the Normal Variation, Standard Development?

The Normal Variation, Standard Development 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 Normal Variation, Standard Development good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 at +0.44 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 Normal Variation, Standard Development 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.