ECO code: E61
King's Indian: Smyslov System, 5...O-O 6.e3 Nbd7
This variation arises after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. Bg5 d6 6. e3 Nbd7. The Smyslov System is named after former World Champion Vassily Smyslov, who employed this setup to combine flexible piece placement with solid positional play.
Characteristic of the move 6...Nbd7: Black develops the knight to d7 instead of the more common c6 square, aiming to support the central e5 break while keeping options open for piece maneuvers. This move also helps reinforce control over the e5-square and prepares for potential ...e5 or ...c5 pawn breaks.
Playing style: From Black's perspective, this system is primarily defensive and flexible, waiting for the right moment to challenge White's center with pawn breaks. White, on the other hand, usually adopts a more positional and sometimes attacking approach, focusing on controlling the center and leveraging the pin of Black's knight on f6 via Bg5.
Center control: This opening is very much about contesting the center. White establishes a strong pawn presence with d4 and c4, supported by e3, while Black prepares to counterattack the center with ...e5 or ...c5. The struggle for central control is a key theme, with both sides maneuvering carefully before committing to central exchanges.
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 King's Indian: Smyslov System, 5...O-O 6.e3 Nbd7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #15 white