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

The Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Main Line 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, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after five 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, Main Line — position after d5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7 5. Nc3 d5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3b6
4a3Bb7
5Nc3d5

ECO: E12

Stockfish: +0.07 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Queen's Indian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Main Line?

The Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Main Line goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7 5. Nc3 d5. 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, Main Line?

The Kasparov-Petrosian Variation, Main Line 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, Main Line good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. a3 Bb7 5. Nc3 d5 at +0.07 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, Main Line lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.