King's Indian Attack: Smyslov Variation

Before the first move

The King's Indian Attack: Smyslov Variation is a flexible hypermodern system where White invites Black to occupy the center while preparing a flank assault. By delaying central pawn pushes, you create a dynamic setup that prioritizes piece activity and long-term pressure over immediate space.

1. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This flexible first move controls the center and prepares for kingside castling while keeping your options open for several different pawn structures. It is the cornerstone of the Reti and King's Indian systems.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, mirroring White's development and entering the main lines of the Zukertort. While Black could try the sharper Dutch Variation with f5 or the rare Black Mustang Defense with Nc6, this knight move remains the most respected and flexible choice at the top level.

Other paths here: f6 (Zukertort Opening: Arctic Defense) · h6 (Zukertort Opening: Basman Defense) · Nc6 (Zukertort Opening: Black Mustang Defense) · f5 (Zukertort Opening: Dutch Variation)

2. g3White · your move

Push your pawn to g3. This prepares to fianchetto your bishop on g2, where it will exert long-range pressure across the long diagonal. This is a key component of the King's Indian Attack setup.

Other paths here: b4 (Polish Opening: Zukertort System) · e4 (Zukertort Opening: Lemberger Gambit) · b3 (Zukertort Opening: Nimzo-Larsen Variation) · e3 (Zukertort Opening: Quiet System)

2... g6Black

Black chooses g6, preparing a double-fianchetto battle. This is the most consistent reply to White's setup, though you might also see Black strike in the center with d5 or adopt the Spassky Variation with an early b5 to grab space on the queenside.

Other paths here: d5 (King's Indian Attack) · b5 (King's Indian Attack: Spassky Variation) · c5 (Reti: KIA)

3. b4White · your move

Push your pawn to b4. This is the Smyslov Variation, a provocative move that gains space on the queenside and discourages Black from playing c5. You are creating an asymmetrical pawn structure that challenges Black's typical development patterns.

Other paths here: Bg2 (Reti: KIA) · b3 (Zukertort Opening: Double Fianchetto Attack)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich and unconventional. White has gained significant space on the queenside with b4, while both sides are committed to fianchettoing their kingside bishops. Black will likely continue with Bg7 and c6 to challenge the white structure, while White aims to complete development and utilize the space advantage to create pressure.

• f1-g2 Complete the kingside fianchetto
• f8-g7 Fianchetto the bishop to challenge the diagonal
• c1-b2 Develop the dark-squared bishop to b2
• c7-c6 Prepare to challenge the b4 pawn