Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack (E12)

The Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack is a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E12. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7 5. Nc3 d5 6. cxd5 Nxd5 7. Qc2, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after seven moves.

On the Queen's Indian Defense generally: A flexible defense to 1.d4 where Black fianchettoes the queen's bishop to control e4.

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Queen's Indian Defense: Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack — position after Qc2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7 5. Nc3 d5 6. cxd5 Nxd5 7. Qc2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3b6
4a3Bb7
5Nc3d5
6cxd5Nxd5
7Qc2

ECO: E12

Stockfish: +0.03 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack?

The Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7 5. Nc3 d5 6. cxd5 Nxd5 7. Qc2. It is a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E12.

What is the ECO code for the Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack?

The Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack is ECO E12. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Indian Defense.

Is the Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7 5. Nc3 d5 6. cxd5 Nxd5 7. Qc2 at +0.03 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 Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Kasparov Attack lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.