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King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation

Master the Chess Board with King's Indian Defense

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation is a flexible and complex opening that leads to dynamic and strategic positions on the board. Let's take a closer look at each move to understand the ideas and plans behind this exciting opening.

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winrate

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This line (13 moves) is played in approximately 1 out of every 1000 games

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation is a popular chess opening that is often seen at both amateur and professional levels. It begins with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. d5.

The Petrosian Variation is considered a solid and flexible defense as it allows Black to choose from a wide range of plans and ideas. It is named after the former World Champion, Tigran Petrosian, who frequently employed the opening in his games.

One of the strengths of this opening is that it leads to complex and dynamic positions where both sides have opportunities to attack. It also provides Black with a solid pawn structure and good control of the center.

On the other hand, the Petrosian Variation can be difficult to play for beginners as it requires a deep understanding of positional chess and long-term strategic planning. It also requires Black to be comfortable defending against White's potential threats on the queenside.

In sum, the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation is a respected and versatile opening that can lead to exciting and complex games. Experienced players who enjoy strategic play and defending difficult positions will find it a valuable addition to their repertoire.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation, move by move

d4

+0.14

The move d4 is aimed at controlling the center of the board. White wants to open lines for the bishop on c1 and the queen, which can be directed towards black's king-side. The pawn on d4 can also potentially put pressure on black's knight on f6, forcing it to retreat or exchange. This move is often played in various opening systems, including the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation d4

Nf6

+0.64

The move Nf6 aims to control the square e4, which is a central square on the board. By placing the knight on f6, Black also limits White's options of occupying the e4 square with a pawn. Additionally, this move prepares for the development of Black's dark-square bishop, and can potentially put pressure on White's pawn on d4. In sum, Nf6 is a common and logical response to White's first move d4.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation Nf6

c4

-0.12

The move c4 aims to control the center and prepare for the development of the knight on c3. It supports the pawn on d4 and creates a stronghold in the center. By occupying the d5 square with the pawn on c4, White also restricts Black's options for occupying the center of the board. Additionally, c4 often leads to the Queen's Gambit, in which White offers a pawn in exchange for the initiative. In sum, c4 is a logical move in response to Black's Nf6, and is one of the most common openings in chess.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation c4

g6

+0.78

In the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation, Black's move g6 aims to support the knight on f6, preparing for the fianchetto of the dark-square bishop to g7. This move also controls the h5-e8 diagonal, giving Black control over the central squares e4 and d5. By playing g6, Black also limits White's options for playing the pawn to g4, as the advance of the h-pawn to h4 would create weakness in White's pawn structure. In sum, g6 is a flexible move that prepares for a solid and aggressive defense.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation g6

Nc3

+0.07

By playing Nc3, White develops a piece and prepares for the pawn to d4. It also supports the pawn on e4 and prepares for the king's knight to jump into the center of the board. The knight on c3 can also be used for controlling the d5 square and attacking the pawn on b7, in some variations. This move is common in many openings, including the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation, where the knight often jumps to d2 or the bishop is developed to g5 before developing the knight to c3.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation Nc3

Bg7

+1.1

By playing Bg7, Black completes the fianchetto of the dark-square bishop, which is aimed at controlling the long diagonal and putting pressure on White's pawn structure. This move also prepares for the castle, which further strengthens Black's king-side. The bishop on g7 is also well situated to attack White's pawn on d4, which can potentially become a weakness. Additionally, this move can help to defend the king-side against potential attacks from White's pieces. In sum, Bg7 is a standard move in the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation, and is essential for Black's development.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation Bg7

e4

+0.48

In the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation, the move e4 aims to strengthen White's control over the center of the board and to attack Black's knight on f6. By advancing the pawn to e4, White also prepares for the development of the bishop on e3, which can be used to attack Black's pawn on f7. This move can also potentially create an outpost on d5 for White's pieces, disrupting Black's position in the center and limiting their mobility. In sum, e4 is a standard and aggressive move that puts pressure on Black's position, but it can also create weaknesses in White's pawn structure if not played carefully.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation e4

d6

+0.91

The move d6 aims to control the central squares and prepare for the development of Black's light-square bishop. This move also provides support for the knight on f6, and prepares for the castle. By advancing the pawn to d6, Black also limits White's options for attacking the knight on f6 with a pawn thrust to e5. In some variations, the pawn on d6 can also be used to attack White's pawn on e4, forcing it to move and potentially creating weaknesses in White's pawn structure. In sum, d6 is a flexible and solid move that prepares for further development and creates potential for counterplay.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation d6

Nf3

+0.28

By playing Nf3, White develops a piece and prepares for the castle. This move also prepares for the pawn to d4, and supports the pawn on e4. The knight on f3 is also well situated to attack Black's pawn on e5, or to potentially jump to d5, putting pressure on Black's position in the center. Additionally, Nf3 enables White to potentially exchange his knight on c3 for Black's knight on f6, which can weaken Black's pawn structure. In sum, Nf3 is a flexible and versatile move that prepares for further development and puts pressure on Black's position.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation Nf3

O-O

+0.85

In the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation, the move O-O aims to protect the king and activate the rook on h8. This move also prepares for the central pawn advance with ...d5, and potentially creates a stronghold in the center with pawns on d6 and e5. By castling kingside, Black also takes the first step in the process of connecting the rooks. This move is often a standard plan for Black in the King's Indian Defense, as it allows for a solid defense while also preparing for potential counterattacks. In sum, O-O is a flexible move that consolidates Black's position and prepares for further development.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation O-O

Be2

+0.36

By playing Be2, White develops a piece and prepares for the castle kingside. This move also prepares for the central pawn advance with d4, and potentially creates opportunities for exchanging the light-square bishop for Black's bishop that is fianchettoed on g7. The bishop on e2 also helps to control the d3, f3, and g4 squares, which can potentially become important for White's pieces. Additionally, this move can help to defend the pawn on d4, which is a key pawn in White's pawn structure. In sum, Be2 is a flexible and versatile move that prepares for further development and sets up potential tactical opportunities.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation Be2

e5

+1.02

The move e5 aims to control the center of the board and create a stronghold for Black's pieces. This move also prepares for the development of Black's light-square bishop and activates the rook on f8. By advancing the pawn to e5, Black also threatens to attack White's central pawn on d4 and potentially create weaknesses in White's pawn structure. Additionally, this move creates a blockade on the dark squares on the board, limiting the potential activity of White's pieces such as the knight on f3. In sum, e5 is a flexible and aggressive move that seeks to gain control of the center and create potential for counterplay.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation e5

d5

+0.3

In the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation, the move d5 aims to open up lines for White's pieces and create potential weaknesses in Black's pawn structure. By advancing the pawn to d5, White also gains more space in the center of the board and potentially creates an outpost on d4 for a knight or queen. This move also opens up the f1-a6 diagonal for White's light-square bishop, which can attack Black's pieces on the kingside. Additionally, d5 can help to restrict Black's pawn on e6, limiting the potential activity of Black's light-square bishop and potentially weakening the pawn structure. In sum, d5 is a strategic and aggressive move that can create potential opportunities for White's attack.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation d5

How to play the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation can be playing by starting with d4, Nf6, c4, g6, Nc3, Bg7 and lastly, e4, d6, Nf3, O-O and Be2. Black's main idea is to establish control of the d4-square and create a pawn chain with pawns on d6 and e5. On move 7, Black typically responds with d5, cxd5 and cxd5. This creates an imbalance in the center, which is a characteristic of many King's Indian Defense structures. From there, Black has numerous ideas and plans such as pushing the pawn to f5, creating a counterattack on the kingside.

How to counter the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation can be countered with White's moves being Nf3, g3, Bg2 and 0-0 before deciding whether to play d4 or e4. Attacks on Black's pawn chain can be launched with h3 and Ng5, aiming to force the knight on f6 back to allow f4. White can also try to delay the exchange of pawns on d5 and play a4, b4 to create space on the queenside. White can also try to take advantage of Black's weakened b6-square and play Nb5 and a5 to create pressure on the b6-pawn.

Pawn structure in the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation

The pawn structure in the King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation is characterized by a solid and flexible pawn chain in the center of the board. Black's pawns on d6 and e5 form a strong foundation and limit White's pawn advances. The pawn chain provides Black with space and opportunities for piece maneuvering. Black's f-pawn can be pushed to f5 or f4 to create a counterattack on the kingside. White, on the other hand, may look to hold back the pawn advances with moves like f3 or g3, in order to create tension and prepare for potential pawn breaks in the future.

The papachess advice

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation is an opening played by Black that can create complex and strategic positions on the board. Its solid pawn structure, good center control and flexible defense make it a popular choice for experienced players who enjoy dynamic games. However, beginners may find it difficult due to its potential threats on the queenside and its strategic nature. White can counter this opening with a variety of moves to create pressure on Black's pawn chain and weaken his position. Mastering King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation requires an understanding of its unique pawn structure and strategic plans, as well as the ability to adapt to different positions throughout the game. Ultimately, it provides an exciting and dynamic addition to any player's repertoire.

King's Indian Defense: Petrosian Variation in brief

Eco code : E92

Solid pawn structure

good center control

flexible defense

Can be difficult for beginners due to strategic nature

potential threats on the queenside

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