Fianchetto Variation, Larsen Defense
- 1.d4Nf6
- 2.c4g6
- 3.Nc3Bg7
- 4.Nf3d6
- 5.g3O-O
- 6.Bg2c6
- 7.O-OBf5
1,107 games
A King's Indian Fianchetto line in which Black plays ...c6 and ...Bf5, placing the bishop actively to restrain White's e2-e4 advance.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Larsen Defense
The Larsen Defense combines 6...c6 with 7...Bf5. Black develops the light-squared bishop actively before committing to ...Nbd7 or ...e5, and the bishop eyes e4 to hinder White's central advance. The most common reply, 8. Re1, prepares e4 regardless. The second choice, 8. Nh4, challenges the bishop at once, while 8. b3 is a quieter option. Engines give White a slight edge, and online results are exactly level between the two sides.