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King's Indian Defense

Semi-Classical Variation, Exchange Variation

E61positionalsolid

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4g6
  3. 3.Nc3Bg7
  4. 4.Nf3O-O
  5. 5.e3d6
  6. 6.Be2Nbd7
  7. 7.O-Oe5
  8. 8.dxe5dxe5
521 games46%50%

A Semi-Classical King's Indian line in which White exchanges on e5 with 8. dxe5, opening the d-file for a balanced, simplified middlegame.

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About the Exchange Variation

The Exchange Variation of the Semi-Classical King's Indian resolves the central tension with 8. dxe5 dxe5, opening the d-file while the queens stay on the board. Black's pawn on e5 now faces White's c4 and e3 pawns. White's main decision is whether to advance with 9. e4, the most common choice, or to stay flexible with 9. Qc2 or 9. b3. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and Black scores marginally better in practice.

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