King's Indian Defense: Averbakh Variation, Benoni Defense, Advance Variation

A chess opening characterized by a pawn structure that aims to counter White's central pawn advances with pawn breaks and piece play.

The opening in question is a dynamic and aggressive choice for Black, which aims to counter White's central pawn advances with pawn breaks and piece play. In this opening, Black allows White to establish a strong pawn center with pawns on d4, e4, and c4, while focusing on developing their pieces and preparing for pawn breaks with moves like ...c5 and ...e6.

The variation is named after the Soviet Grandmaster who contributed significantly to the development of this line. It is characterized by the early development of White's dark-squared bishop to g5, pinning Black's knight on f6 and exerting pressure on the d6 pawn.

Black's main idea in this opening is to challenge White's pawn center by playing ...c5, which can lead to a specific pawn structure if White advances the d-pawn to d5. This pawn structure often results in a tense middlegame, with both sides having chances for active play.

White's main plan is to maintain their pawn center and use it as a base for launching an attack on the kingside or the center. Meanwhile, Black will try to undermine White's pawn center and create counterplay on the queenside or in the center.

The term "Advance Variation" refers to White's decision to push the d-pawn to d5 after Black plays ...c5, creating a closed pawn structure that can lead to a rich and complex middlegame. This variation is known for its strategic depth and offers both players opportunities for creative play.