Hey guys, I wondering about the move 6...e5 in the King's Indian Defense. Why is this move played as opposed to 6...c5? Wouldn't 6...c5 be better, as it doesn't block in black's own dark-squared bishop?
6...e5 in the King's Indian Defense
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c5 is quite possible and can transpose into Benoni if white replies d5, or Maroczi bind of accelerated dragon if white castles and black takes on d4 then.
Not the same type of positions...
If u want more informations, well, open a book...
After 6...e5 it's more easy for Black to find counterattack and mobilize he's pieces from the Queenside.
To understand this, you should see it from both perspectives. After 6...e5 White doesn't mind to exchange the d4 pawn with the e5 as the c4-e4 pawns guarantee a space advantage and tactics work but after 6...c5 7.dxc5 Black equalizes automatically when tactics getting involved are not in Whites favor. He's King is on the center, he can't push e5 , he doesn't control the dark squares, Black can swap Queens, everything is wrong there for White. That's why after 6...c5 White push d5 immediately and the game transposes to a more positional character.
Now after 6...c5 7.d5 Black face several problems. Where the b8 Knight belongs? Nbd7?! It's very passive since Ne5 is not playable. Bg4?! with the idea to trade it with the knight so early it's something can cost later. In to my eyes Black has limited choices after 6...c5 than after 6...e5.
After 6...e5 7.d5 a5 with the idea to prevent b4 so to be able play Na6-Nc5 and attack e4 it's something that change White's plan. Black has a straightforward game there. I am not saying he equalizes but has something to play for. At least from the way I see it it's more playable to counter. Perhaps I am wrong, KID it's a difficult animal to study.