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.
Opening Name: Reti: King's Indian Attack (KIA)
Moves: 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 b6
FEN: rnbqkb1r/p1pppppp/1p3n2/8/8/5NP1/PPPPPP1P/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 0 3
The Reti: KIA is a flexible and hypermodern opening where White fianchettoes the kingside bishop early with g3 and Bg2, aiming to control the center from a distance rather than occupying it immediately. The move g3 is characteristic of a patient, positional approach, preparing for a strong bishop on the long diagonal and supporting a later central break.
Characteristic: This setup focuses on controlling the central squares indirectly and preparing a solid, resilient position. White avoids early pawn confrontations in the center, relying instead on piece activity and flexibility.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the Reti: KIA tends to be more positional and strategic than outright attacking, though it can lead to attacking chances later. It is neither purely attacking nor purely defensive but rather a balanced approach. Black's move b6 also signals a flexible, somewhat defensive stance, preparing to fianchetto the queen's bishop.
Center Control: This opening does not immediately stake a claim in the center with pawns but attacks and controls the center squares indirectly with pieces, especially the fianchettoed bishop on g2. The goal is to influence the center rather than occupy it right away.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Reti: KIA, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #8 white
You can also discover how top players used Reti: KIA to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.