Theoria
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King's Indian Defense

Averbakh Variation, Benoni Defense, Exchange Variation

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  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4g6
  3. 3.Nc3Bg7
  4. 4.e4d6
  5. 5.Be2O-O
  6. 6.Bg5c5
  7. 7.dxc5
58 games52%40%

A rare branch of the Averbakh King's Indian in which White answers 6...c5 by capturing on c5 instead of advancing to d5, keeping the center open.

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About the Exchange Variation

Instead of the usual 7. d5, White takes on c5 with 7. dxc5. This rules out a Benoni-type closed center and leaves the game open, with the g7-bishop's long diagonal unobstructed. The pawn is only briefly extra. The most common reply is 7...dxc5, which opens the d-file. The alternative 7...Qa5 pins the c3-knight before Black wins the pawn back, but it has scored worse for Black. The line is seldom played, and engines assess it as roughly level.

Popular continuations