Fianchetto Variation, Classical Fianchetto

In this line Black answers the fianchetto system with the classical setup. The queen's knight goes to d7 rather than c6, where it supports ...e5 without blocking the c-pawn and cannot be hit with tempo by d4-d5. The position after 7...e5, classified as E67, is a crossroads with White to move. Engines give White a slight edge and prefer 8. h3, 8. e4 and 8. b3, while online results favor White only marginally.

8. e4 is the most frequent reply. It builds a broad center and leads to the Classical Variation of the fianchetto line proper, where Black usually chooses between supporting e5 with 8...c6 and giving up the center with 8...exd4. The second most popular choice, 8. dxe5, releases the tension at once and produces a more symmetrical, less committal game. 8. d5 closes the center and gains space on the queenside. Among the main replies it is the only one after which Black outscores White in the database. The rarer 8. b3 leads to the Double Fianchetto Attack, in which the second bishop goes to the long dark diagonal and White keeps the e-pawn at home for now.