King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Classical Fianchetto

This opening is a solid and flexible choice for Black, aiming to counter White's central pawn structure while developing kingside pieces and fianchettoing the dark-squared bishop.

In this opening, Black allows White to establish a strong pawn center with pawns on d4 and c4, while focusing on developing their kingside pieces and fianchettoing their dark-squared bishop on g7. This setup provides Black with a solid and flexible pawn structure, as well as potential counterplay on the kingside.

In the Classical Fianchetto Variation, White also fianchettoes their light-squared bishop on g2, aiming to control the central squares and support their pawn center. Both sides typically castle kingside early in the game, ensuring the safety of their kings.

Black's main plan in this opening is to break in the center with the pawn move e5, challenging White's central pawn duo and opening lines for their pieces. This can lead to sharp and dynamic middlegame positions, with both sides fighting for central control and attacking chances.

White, on the other hand, will often look to expand on the queenside with pawn moves like b4 and c5, aiming to create weaknesses in Black's pawn structure and exploit them with their more active pieces.

Overall, this opening is a popular and well-respected choice for Black, offering a good balance between solidity and counterattacking potential. It has been employed by many top-level players throughout chess history, including former World Champions Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov.