Makogonov Variation

The Makogonov Variation, classified under ECO code E71, is one of White's less common fifth-move options against the King's Indian. The prophylactic 5. h3 takes the g4-square away from both Black's king's knight and queen's bishop. A later Nf3 therefore cannot be answered by the pin ...Bg4, and a white bishop developed to e3 need not fear ...Ng4. The Sämisch Variation, 5. f3, also restrains Black's pieces, but it commits the f-pawn and occupies the knight's natural square. The Makogonov leaves both alone, so White can still choose between Nf3 and other knight placements once Black's setup becomes clear.

Black's replies follow familiar King's Indian patterns. Castling with 5...O-O is by far the most frequent choice. 5...Nbd7 and 5...Nc6 are occasional alternatives, and engines also consider the immediate central strike 5...e5. The engine assessment gives White a slight edge. In online games White scores marginally better than Black, and draws are uncommon.