(1) King's Indian Defense Classical Variation [E92]

The Classical Variation sees straightforward development and conforms to logical openings principles, as befits its name. White occupies the center with pawns and supports it with pieces. Black has some pressure in the center, and after ....exd4 the bishop at g7 can become quite powerful. Therefore, White often advances the d-pawn to d5, keeping the center closed. This can be done right away or later on in the opening. Once the center is closed, then play is limited to the flanks. White tries to bah open the queenside, while Black has eyes only for the enemy King,. If Black's attack succeeds, then White is dead!. But if White survives, the advantage on the queenside usually brings victory.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 This is the beginning of the King's Indian Defense. Of course White is under no obligation to occupy the center. He can play much more quietly with his first four moves, but it is these opening moves that put the most pressure upon Black's formation. White has a larger number of choices. White's main tries are:

4...d6 5.f4 (Four Pawns Attack);

4...d6 5.f3 (Samisch Variation);

4...d6 5.Be2 (Averbach Variation);

4...d6 5.Nf3 (main line)

5.Be2 0-0 6.Nf3 e5 this move initiates the Classical Variation of the King's Indian Defense.

7.d5 this is where the main lines of the Classical King's Indian diverge and this is the Petrosian Variation The idea behind the Petrosian Variation is to close the center, clamp down on Black's Kingside counterplay, and then go to work on the queenside. Black must react vigorously, but the variation is considered harmless if handled with care

7...Na6 7....Nh5 was tried at first, but it did not fare well. 7....a5 is now considered stronger, so that the Knight can come to c5 without having to worry about nagging attacks by the White b-pawn.

8.Bg5 This keeps Black's pieces tied down, unless Black is willing to weaken the kingside pawn structure. In fact, that is the only appropriate reply.

8...h6 9.Bh4 g5 10.Bg3 Black is willing to weaken the kingside pawn structure. This is one of those openings where a horserace takes place. White will try to smash through on the queenside before Black gets to the White king on the kingside. The pace is brisk, and the closed center allows both sides to pursue their goals.

10...Nh5 11.Nd2 Nf4 12.0-0 Nc5 13.Bg4! This Bishop will be exchanged for its Black counterpart in due course, but meanwhile it is a powerful force on the light squares.

13...a5 14.f3 Ncd3 This invsion really does not accomplish anything.

15.Qc2 c6 16.Kh1 h5 17.Bxc8 Rxc8 18.a3 cxd5 19.cxd5 Nc5 20.Bf2 g4 21.g3! Ng6 22.fxg4 hxg4 Now Black's attacking prospects have disappeared

23.Be3 b5 a desperation move

24.Nxb5 Qb6 25.a4 Qa6 26.Nc4 f5 27.Rxf5 Rxf5 28.exf5 Qb7 29.Qg2 Nb3 30.Ncxd6 Qd7 31.Rf1 and White won.