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.
Reti: King's Indian Attack (KIA), French Variation
This opening arises after the moves 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. O-O e6 5. d3 Nf6 6. Nbd2 Be7 7. e4. White adopts a flexible setup characteristic of the Reti and King's Indian Attack systems, combining flank development with a timely central strike.
Characteristic of the move 7.e4: This move is a thematic central break aiming to challenge Black’s control of the center, particularly the d5-pawn. It reflects White’s intention to transition from a hypermodern, flexible opening into a more classical pawn center presence.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this is an attacking move, as it seeks to seize space and initiate central tension. Black’s setup is solid and somewhat defensive, focusing on piece development and maintaining a strong pawn center.
Center Control: White actively contests the center with 7.e4, signaling a shift from a flank-oriented approach to direct central engagement. Thus, this opening does involve attacking the center rather than avoiding it.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Reti: KIA, French Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #24 black
You can also discover how top players used Reti: KIA, French Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.