ECO code: A07
Opening Name: Reti: King's Indian Attack (KIA)
Moves: 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 Nc6 3. Bg2 e5 4. d3 Nf6 5. O-O
Description: The Reti Opening with the King's Indian Attack setup is a flexible and hypermodern approach where White delays direct central occupation in favor of controlling the center from a distance. By fianchettoing the bishop to g2 and developing the knight to f3, White aims for a solid kingside setup and prepares to castle quickly. The move d3 supports a compact pawn structure, allowing White to react to Black's central presence rather than immediately challenging it.
Characteristic of this setup: This opening is characterized by a flexible, positional buildup focused on piece development and control of key central squares from a distance rather than immediate pawn confrontation. It often leads to a slow buildup, allowing White to choose the right moment to strike in the center or expand on the kingside.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this setup is primarily positional and somewhat defensive early on, aiming for a solid and resilient stance rather than direct aggression. However, it prepares for a potential attacking middlegame once White completes development and challenges Black’s center. Black’s moves here are central and assertive, contesting space.
Center Control: White does not immediately attack the center with pawns but exerts pressure on it from the flanks, especially with the fianchettoed bishop on g2. Black occupies the center more directly with pawns on d5 and e5. This opening embodies the hypermodern philosophy of controlling the center with pieces rather than pawns initially.
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 Reti: KIA, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 8 - Move #8 white