King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.Nf3 O-O 5.e3 d6 6.Be2

ECO E61

The King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation is a chess opening line in the King's Indian Defense complex, reached after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.Nf3 O-O 5.e3 d6 6.Be2.

It is catalogued under code E61 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Be2 is chosen by White on move 6.

4 named continuations branch from this position, including the Benoni Variation and the Hollywood Variation.

The King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation is a line of the King's Indian Defense. The King's Indian Defense is a chess opening that begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6, with Black fianchettoing the bishop to g7 and castling before challenging the center with ...e5 or ...c5. Read the complete King's Indian Defense guide: what it is, how to reach it, its main variations, how to play against it, and its history.

Named variations

• King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation — ECO E60
• King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation, Hollywood Variation — ECO E60
• King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation, Exchange Variation — ECO E61
• King's Indian Defense: Semi-Classical Variation, Queenside Storm Line — ECO E61

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the King's Indian Defense with ...e5 course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.