KID Fianchetto 6.b3: A Modern Repertoire for White
The Double Fianchetto as a Strategic Weapon
For decades, White players facing the King's Indian Defense have searched for systems that avoid the violent tactical storms Black seeks while maintaining realistic winning chances. GM Alexey Dreev, who has the experience of being a 2700+ super-GM and one of the world's most experienced positional players, has found his answer in the modest-looking 6.b3—a system he has refined throughout his entire career. Together with GM Pier Luigi Basso, he presents a complete repertoire where the double fianchetto becomes not just a solid choice, but a psychological challenge: when White removes the imbalance from the board, King's Indian players must either accept passive positions or pursue counterplay this system is specifically designed to neutralize.
What Makes This Course Unique
The 6.b3 Double Fianchetto operates on a simple principle: reach risk-free, pleasant positions with a lasting edge. This approach is particularly effective against opponents prepared for sharp theoretical battles in the Mar del Plata or Sämisch systems. After 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d6 6.b3, White creates a flexible structure that adapts to Black's setup while maintaining subtle pressure across the board.
Dreev and Basso don't just present safe equality—they demonstrate concrete paths to an advantage in every variation. Whether Black plays the main 6...c5, attempts immediate central action with 6...e5, or tries alternative setups, the course provides precise recommendations. The authors favor fresh approaches: 9.a3!? against the modern 8...Ne4, the flexible 8.Nbd2!? against 7...d5, and the active 7.Nbd2!? when Black plays 6...b5. These are not computer-generated novelties but battle-tested ideas reflecting decades of practical understanding.
Variation Map: Complete Coverage Move by Move
Main Line: 6...c5
- 7.c4 Nc6 8.Bb2 Ne4 9.a3!? (Chapter 5)
- 7.c4 Nc6 8.Bb2 cxd4 9.Nxd4 - Maroczy structure (Chapter 4)
- 7.c4 e5 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.Bb2 - endgame with real winning chances (Chapter 2)
- 7.c4 d5 8.Nbd2!? - reinforcing c4 (Chapter 3)
- Full overview and why 7.c4 is best (Chapter 1)
Central Breaks: 6...e5
- 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Ba3 e4 9.Bxf8 Qxf8 10.Nd4 - modern exchange sacrifice (Chapter 9)
- 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Ba3 Qxd1 9.Rxd1 Re8 10.Nc3!? - main endgame line (Chapter 8)
Alternative Systems
- 6...Nbd7 - second most common, knight misplaced on d7 (Chapter 6)
- 6...Nc6 - similar to 6...Nbd7 with different character (Chapter 7)
- 6...c6 7.Bb2 - comfortable double fianchetto control (Chapter 10)
- 6...a5 7.c4 a4 8.b4!? - principled flank approach (Chapters 11-12)
- 6...b5 7.Nbd2!? - flexible approach keeping the bishop on c1(Chapter 13)
- 6...b6 7.Ne1!? - rare setup with fresh handling (Chapter 14)
- 6...Bf5 7.Bb2 - all three main responses covered (Chapter 15)
Premium Course Features
This is a Modern Chess Premium course, built as a complete training system:
- 15 deeply structured theoretical chapters
- 30 test positions to verify your understanding
- 5 training positions for pattern recognition
- Memory Booster for lasting recall
- To-Go Version of the chapters for fast preparation
- Video instruction explaining ideas, not just moves
- Multilingual PGN availability (English, German, French, Spanish)
Building a Complete 1.d4 Repertoire
For players seeking a comprehensive White repertoire starting with 1.d4, this course pairs naturally with Dreev and Basso's work on another fundamental opening. The same authors have created the four-part series Catalan According to Dreev, offering complete coverage of 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.g3 with the same depth and practical focus. Together, these courses provide a coherent strategic framework with a long-term positional pressure.
Ready to Neutralize the King's Indian
The 6.b3 system offers exactly what serious players need: a reliable repertoire that converts opening knowledge into practical results. Dreev's lifelong experience with these positions translates into clear guidance on the critical moments where small advantages become winning ones. Start with the To-Go versions for quick orientation, test your understanding with the training positions, and build long-term recall through the Memory Booster. Whether you face King's Indian specialists regularly or simply want a solid positional approach to counter 1.d4 Nf6, this course provides the complete foundation.