King's Indian Defense: Steiner Attack (E81)

The Steiner Attack is a variation of the King's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E81. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Bg5, reaching the position shown below after 11 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 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.

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: Steiner Attack — position after Bg5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Bg5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4g6
3Nc3Bg7
4e4d6
5f3O-O
6Bg5

ECO: E81

Stockfish: +0.42 at depth 18

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Related King's Indian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Steiner Attack?

The Steiner Attack goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Bg5. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E81.

What is the ECO code for the Steiner Attack?

The Steiner Attack is ECO E81. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Indian Defense.

Is the Steiner Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Bg5 at +0.42 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 Steiner Attack 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. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.