ECO code: A08
Opening Name: Reti: King's Indian Attack (KIA) Variation, 2...c5, 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.O-O e6 5.d3 Nge7 6.Nbd2 g6 7.e4
Moves: 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. O-O e6 5. d3 Nge7 6. Nbd2 g6 7. e4
Description: This line of the Reti Opening transposes into a King's Indian Attack setup for White, characterized by a flexible and solid development. White fianchettoes the kingside bishop early, castles promptly, and builds a strong central presence gradually with the move 7.e4. This approach focuses on controlling the center with pawns on d3 and e4, supported by the knights and bishop, rather than immediate occupation of the center with pawns on d4 or e4 from the start.
Characteristic of the move 7.e4: The push 7.e4 is a thematic break in the King's Indian Attack structure, aiming to challenge Black’s central and queenside setup. It signals White’s intention to gain more central space and can lead to an attack on Black’s pawn chain or central squares.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this setup is typically attacking, aiming for a flexible build-up and gradual central and kingside pressure. Black’s setup, with ...c5, ...e6, and ...g6, is more solid and defensive, focusing on counterplay on the queenside and controlling key central squares.
Center Control: White’s plan in this line is to attack and control the center progressively rather than occupying it immediately. The move 7.e4 aims to assert influence over the center, preparing for potential central breakthroughs, while Black contests the center from a distance with pawn breaks like ...d5 and ...c5.
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.