King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation, Queenside Storm Line (E61)

The Semi-Classical Variation, Queenside Storm Line is a variation of the King's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E61. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. e3 d6 6. Be2 Nbd7 7. O-O e5 8. b4, 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

• Semi-Classical Variation, Hollywood Variation
• Fianchetto Variation, Benjamin Defense
• Semi-Classical Variation
• Semi-Classical Variation, Exchange Variation
• Smyslov Variation
• Fianchetto Variation, Carlsbad Variation
• Fianchetto Variation, Delayed Fianchetto
• Fianchetto Variation, Kavalek Defense
• Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation

See all 112 King's Indian Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Semi-Classical Variation, Queenside Storm Line?

The Semi-Classical Variation, Queenside Storm Line goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. e3 d6 6. Be2 Nbd7 7. O-O e5 8. b4. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E61.

What is the ECO code for the Semi-Classical Variation, Queenside Storm Line?

The Semi-Classical Variation, Queenside Storm Line is ECO E61. 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, Queenside Storm Line good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. e3 d6 6. Be2 Nbd7 7. O-O e5 8. b4 at +0.29 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, Queenside Storm Line 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.