King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation (E60)

The Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation is a variation of the King's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E60. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. e3 d6 6. Be2 c6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. 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: Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation — position after c6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. e3 d6 6. Be2 c6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4g6
3Nc3Bg7
4Nf3O-O
5e3d6
6Be2c6

ECO: E60

Stockfish: +0.55 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation?

The Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. e3 d6 6. Be2 c6. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E60.

What is the ECO code for the Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation?

The Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation is ECO E60. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Indian Defense.

Is the Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. e3 d6 6. Be2 c6 at +0.55 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 Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation lead to?

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