Classical Variation, Keres Defense

The Keres Defense is the modern main line of the Classical Variation. Having given up the bishop for the c3-knight, Black plays 6...b6 to fianchetto the queen's bishop and contest e4 and the long diagonal, compensating for White's bishop pair with quick development and light-square control. White most often pins with 7. Bg5, while 7. Nf3 and 7. f3, which takes e4 away from Black's pieces, are the main alternatives. The engine considers the position level, and online results are nearly even.