ECO code: A05
King's Indian Attack: Smyslov Variation Bg7
The opening begins with the moves 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. b4 Bg7. This variation is a flexible setup for White, combining the King's Indian Attack structure with an early queenside pawn expansion through 3.b4.
Characteristic of the move 3.b4: This is a somewhat rare and aggressive move aiming to gain space on the queenside and potentially challenge Black's control over the center and queenside squares. It can also prepare for a later c4 push, increasing White’s influence on the center indirectly.
From White's perspective, this line is more attacking than purely positional, as it seeks active play on the queenside while maintaining the flexible fianchetto setup. Black’s setup is solid and hypermodern, focusing on controlling the center with pieces rather than pawns.
Regarding the center, this variation does not immediately attack the center with pawns but applies pressure through piece play and pawn breaks like b4 and later c4. White aims to exert indirect pressure and undermine Black’s central presence, following the hypermodern principle.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.