ECO code: A05
King's Indian Attack: Symmetrical Defense (3.b3 Bg7 4.Bb2 O-O 5.Bg2)
This opening arises after the moves 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. b3 Bg7 4. Bb2 O-O 5. Bg2. It is a flexible setup where White fianchettoes both bishops to control the long diagonals, aiming for harmonious piece development.
Characteristic: The move 3.b3 is somewhat uncommon in the King's Indian Attack and prepares to fianchetto the queen's bishop to b2. This adds pressure on the central and queenside dark squares, complementing the kingside fianchetto. The symmetrical structure often leads to a balanced but dynamic middlegame.
Attacking or Defensive: When playing as White, this setup is primarily preparatory and flexible rather than overtly attacking or purely defensive. It allows White to build a solid position with potential for a later central or kingside break. Black’s mirror setup aims for solid development and counterplay. Overall, White’s plan can become attacking depending on how the center and kingside pawn breaks are handled, but at this stage it is more positional and controlling.
Center Control: This opening does not immediately challenge the center with pawns but exerts influence indirectly through fianchettoed bishops and knight development. White typically aims for a later central thrust (like d4) after completing development, rather than immediate central occupation.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the King's Indian Attack: Symmetrical Defense 3.b3 Bg7 4.Bb2 O-O 5.Bg2, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #9 white