Polish Opening: King's Indian Variation, Sokolsky Attack (A00)

The King's Indian Variation, Sokolsky Attack is a variation of the Polish Opening, catalogued as ECO A00. The line runs 1. b4 Nf6 2. Bb2 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. e3 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. d4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. 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 Polish Opening generally: An unusual flank opening with 1.b4. Aims for long-term pressure on the queenside.

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Polish Opening: King's Indian Variation, Sokolsky Attack — position after d4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. b4 Nf6 2. Bb2 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. e3 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. d4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1b4Nf6
2Bb2g6
3c4Bg7
4e3d6
5Nf3O-O
6d4

ECO: A00

Stockfish: -0.21 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the King's Indian Variation, Sokolsky Attack?

The King's Indian Variation, Sokolsky Attack goes 1. b4 Nf6 2. Bb2 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. e3 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. d4. It is a variation of the Polish Opening and is catalogued as ECO A00.

What is the ECO code for the King's Indian Variation, Sokolsky Attack?

The King's Indian Variation, Sokolsky Attack is ECO A00. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Polish Opening.

Is the King's Indian Variation, Sokolsky Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. b4 Nf6 2. Bb2 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4. e3 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. d4 at -0.21 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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 King's Indian Variation, Sokolsky Attack lead to?

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