ECO code: A08
Opening Name: French Defense: King's Indian Attack (KIA), Reversed Philidor – c5 Variation
Moves: 1. e4 e6 2. d3 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. Ngf3 c5 5. g3 Nc6 6. Bg2 Be7
Description: This line arises from a flexible setup where White adopts a King's Indian Attack structure against the French Defense. Unlike the classical French lines, White delays direct central confrontation with d4, opting instead for a solid and positional buildup with d3 and g3. Black responds actively with ...c5 and develops naturally. The move 5.g3 prepares to fianchetto the bishop to g2, supporting the center and kingside, while Black’s ...Nc6 and ...Be7 continue standard development.
Characteristic: This setup is characterized by a restrained, positional approach from White, emphasizing piece development and control over key squares rather than immediate central tension. The reversed Philidor element appears as Black challenges the center with ...c5, mirroring ideas from the Philidor Defense.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this line is generally positional and flexible, leaning towards a solid, somewhat defensive posture initially, aiming for a gradual buildup and potential kingside attack later. Black’s play is active but also solid, contesting the center and preparing to complete development safely.
Center Control: White does not immediately attack the center with pawns but maintains a strong, supportive presence using pieces and pawns on d3 and e4. Black challenges the center more directly with ...d5 and ...c5, leading to a dynamic struggle for central control.
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 French: KIA, Reversed Philidor c5 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Be7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #24 black
You can also discover how top players used French: KIA, Reversed Philidor c5 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Be7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.