Fianchetto Variation: Panno is variation 5 of 6 in the King's Indian Defence course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO E63). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. g3 O-O …. White fianchettoes too and plays positionally. Black uses the Panno set-up with ...Nc6, ...a6 and ...Rb8, then opens the b-file with ...b5 and uses the g7 bishop's power on the long diagonal. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White occupies the centre.
1... Nf6 – Develops and controls e4.
2. c4 – Gains space.
2... g6 – Prepares ...Bg7.
3. Nf3 – Develops flexibly before choosing a set-up.
3... Bg7 – Fianchettoes.
4. g3 – White fianchettoes too, aiming the bishop at the long diagonal and Black's queenside.
4... O-O – Castles.
5. Bg2 – Completes the fianchetto.
5... d6 – Prepares ...e5 or ...c5 and frees c8.
6. O-O – White castles.
6... Nc6 – The Panno: hits d4 and prepares ...a6 and ...Rb8.
7. Nc3 – Develops and covers d5 and e4.
7... a6 – Prepares ...Rb8 and ...b5 to undermine the c4 pawn.
8. d5 – Kicks the knight and gains space.
8... Na5 – Attacks c4; from a5 the knight supports ...c5 and ...b5.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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