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 3. Bg2 Bb7
Description: This setup is a flexible and hypermodern approach from White, characterized by fianchettoing the king's bishop with 2.g3 and 3.Bg2. White delays direct occupation of the center, instead aiming to control it from a distance. Black responds symmetrically by fianchettoing their queen’s bishop to b7, reinforcing control over the central dark squares.
Characteristic: The key idea of this line is controlling the central squares (especially d5 and e4) with pieces rather than pawns. White's setup often leads to a slow buildup and potential for a central or kingside pawn push later in the game.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this opening is generally considered flexible and can be both defensive and attacking depending on how White chooses to continue. It often starts more positionally but can transition into attacking plans. Black’s response with ...b6 and ...Bb7 is also flexible, aiming for solid development and counterplay on the long diagonal.
Center Control: White does not immediately occupy the center with pawns but exerts pressure on it from a distance. This hypermodern approach encourages Black to occupy the center first, which White then aims to undermine.
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.