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King's Indian Defense

Kazakh Variation

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  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4g6
  3. 3.Nc3Bg7
  4. 4.e4d6
  5. 5.Nf3O-O
  6. 6.Be2Na6
1,670 games49%45%

A sound but uncommon King's Indian sideline in which Black meets the Orthodox 6. Be2 with 6...Na6, delaying the usual central break ...e5.

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About the Kazakh Variation

The Kazakh Variation of the King's Indian Defense arises from 6...Na6 in the Orthodox setup. Black postpones the standard 6...e5 and develops the queen's knight to the rim instead. From a6 the knight leaves the c8-bishop unobstructed and can support a later ...e5 or ...c5. It is an uncommon but sound sideline. White usually answers 7. O-O, with 7. Be3 the main alternative. Engines give White a slight edge, while practical results are close to even.

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