Theoria
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King's Indian Defense

Orthodox Variation, Donner Defense

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  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4g6
  3. 3.Nc3Bg7
  4. 4.e4d6
  5. 5.Nf3O-O
  6. 6.Be2e5
  7. 7.O-Oc6
136 games48%45%

A rarely played King's Indian sideline in which Black meets 7. O-O with 7...c6, keeping the center flexible instead of committing a knight to c6.

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About the Donner Defense

The Donner Defense, 7...c6, is a modest alternative to 7...Nc6 in the Orthodox King's Indian. The pawn covers d5 and b5 and keeps the center flexible, so Black can answer d5 with ...cxd5 and use the half-open c-file. White most often closes the center with 8. d5, while 8. dxe5 and 8. Be3 are the main alternatives. The line is rarely seen, and engines give White a slight edge.

Popular continuations