6. Exchange Variation 7.dxe5 dxe5 (Balanced Endgame)
With 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Qxd8 Rxd8 White tries to sterilize the aggressive attacking potential of the King's Indian. However, Black gains an excellent endgame thanks to the open d-file for the Rook and the scope of the g7 Bishop.
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Qxd8 Rxd8 9.Bg5 Re8 10.Nd5 Nxd5 11.cxd5 c6 12.Bc4 cxd5
Move by move
- 1.d4 – White occupies the center with the Queen's pawn: it controls e5 and c5 and paves the way for the c1 Bishop and the Queen.
- 1...Nf6 – Black develops the Knight and controls e4 and d5: it prevents an immediate 2.e4 and prepares the King's Indian setup.
- 2.c4 – White gains central space with the c-pawn: it controls d5 and prepares Knight development to c3.
- 2...g6 – The signature move of the King's Indian: Black prepares the fianchetto of the Bishop on g7 to target the center from afar.
- 3.Nc3 – White develops the Knight toward the center: it protects d5 and prepares full central conquest with e2-e4.
- 3...Bg7 – The Bishop takes position on the long h8-a1 diagonal: it controls the central d4 and e5 light squares and shields the King.
- 4.e4 – White sets up the classical center with the d4 and e4 pawns: it controls plenty of space but provides a clear target for Black's counterplay.
- 4...d6 – Black restrains White's e4-e5 advance, protects the central dark squares, and prepares the thematic ...e5 counter-strike.
- 5.Nf3 – Classical development of the King's Knight: it controls d4 and e5 and prepares rapid kingside castling.
- 5...O-O – Black secures the King with kingside castling before opening the center; the f8 Rook will support the future ...f5 push.
- 6.Be2 – White develops the Bishop to e2 in solid and positional fashion, preparing kingside castling without obstructing other pieces.
- 6...e5 – The thematic central breakthrough of the King's Indian: Black directly attacks the d4 pawn and challenges White's territorial dominance.
- 7.dxe5 – The Exchange Variation: White liquidates central tension to trade Queens and seek a quiet endgame.
- 7...dxe5 – Black recaptures in the center maintaining control of the d4 and f4 light squares while opening the d-file.
- 8.Qxd8 – White trades Queens hoping to extinguish Black's aggressive King's Indian counterplay.
- 8...Rxd8 – The Black Rook enters the game with tempo, seizing the open d-file with active placement.
- 9.Bg5 – The Bishop develops to g5 pinning the f6 Knight to put indirect pressure on the e5 pawn.
- 9...Re8 – The Rook shifts to e8 solidly defending the e5 pawn and stepping out of alignment with the Bishop.
- 10.Nd5 – The White Knight leaps to the center attacking the f6 Knight and threatening a fork on c7.
- 10...Nxd5 – Black eliminates White's centralized Knight before it can create havoc on the queenside.
- 11.cxd5 – White recaptures with the c-pawn creating a wedge on d5 and opening the c-file for the Rook.
- 11...c6 – Immediate counter-thrust: Black chips at the d5 pawn to open the c-file and prevent suffocating.
- 12.Bc4 – The Bishop develops protecting the d5 pawn and aiming at the weak f7 square.
- 12...cxd5 – Black exchanges on d5 to eliminate White's advanced pawn and clear the c6 square for pieces.
How to exploit the position
A queenless endgame where Black has neutralized central pressure by exchanging pawns on d5. Black's minor pieces are harmonious and control open lines.
- After 13.Bxd5 develop the Knight to d7 to maneuver to b6 or c5, increasing pressure on the White center.
- Develop the c8 Bishop to e6 to contest the enemy Bishop or to g4 to pin the f3 Knight.
- Double Rooks on the d-file with ...Rad8 to maintain firm control of the open file.
- The e5 pawn serves as a solid central shield preventing incursions and securing full equality.
Master tips
Dynamic activity in the Exchange endgame
The Exchange Variation offers no advantage to White if Black quickly mobilizes minor pieces and seizes the d-file.