King's Indian Attack: Spassky Variation

Before the first move

The King's Indian Attack is a flexible setup where White aims for a solid, kingside-fianchetto structure. In the Spassky Variation, Black responds aggressively by expanding on the queenside with an early b5. This creates a sharp battle of flank control where White's central solidity meets Black's space-grabbing ambitions.

1. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move controls the center, prepares for a quick kingside castle, and keeps your options open. It is the most flexible start, preventing Black from immediately occupying the center with e5.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, the most common response to the Zukertort. This leads toward many classical systems. Other interesting paths for Black include the Arctic Defense with f6 or the aggressive Herrstrom Gambit with g5, though those are much rarer at high levels.

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 along the h1-a8 diagonal. This is the hallmark of the King's Indian Attack, prioritizing a safe king and a powerful bishop.

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... b5Black

Black plays b5, an energetic and provocative move named after Boris Spassky. Instead of the standard d5 or the Symmetrical Defense with g6, Black tries to seize the initiative on the flank. You must now decide how to handle this early queenside expansion.

Other paths here: d5 (King's Indian Attack) · g6 (King's Indian Attack: Symmetrical Defense) · c5 (Reti: KIA)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. White will complete the kingside development with Bg2 and O-O, while Black will likely play Bb7 and e6 to solidify the queenside gains. White needs to decide whether to strike in the center with d3 and e4 or challenge Black's pawn on b5 with a4. Black must ensure the b5-pawn doesn't become a target.

• f1-g2 Fianchetto the bishop to control the long diagonal
• c8-b7 Develop the bishop to support the b5 expansion
• a2-a4 Challenge Black's queenside space with an a4 break
• e1-g1 Secure the king behind the fianchettoed bishop