Semi-Leningrad Variation

The Semi-Leningrad Variation arises when White fianchettoes before committing the c-pawn and Black answers with 3...g6, preparing ...Bg7 as in the Leningrad Dutch. Since c4 has not yet been played, White keeps several options. 4. Nf3 is the most common reply, 4. c4 heads for standard Leningrad positions, and 4. Nh3 sends the knight toward f4. The engine gives White a slight edge, and White scores somewhat better in the database.