Réti Opening: King's Indian Attack
1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 g6 · A07–A08
Part of Réti Opening
Starting positionWhite to move
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The opposing fianchetto changes the central fight
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The idea
White builds a King's Indian Attack against Black's kingside fianchetto. Unlike the ...e6 and ...Be7 setup, Black's g7 bishop contests the long diagonal and makes the central pawn tension important.
Main line: 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.d3 O-O 6.Nbd2 c5 7.e4 Nc6
What White wants
- Complete development with Re1 before choosing e5 or exd5
- Keep e4 supported and watch Black's ...d4 space gain
- Use c3 or a queenside move when the centre does not favour a kingside attack
What Black wants
- Use ...c5 and ...Nc6 to pressure d4 and expand in the centre
- Choose ...d4 for space or ...dxe4 to open central lines
- Keep the g7 bishop active after the f6 knight moves
Key idea
Understand this and the moves stop needing to be memorised.
The opposing fianchetto changes the central fight
The bishops on g2 and g7 use different long diagonals, initially obstructed by pieces and pawns. White's e4 challenges d5; exchanging on d5 or allowing ...d4 creates different plans. A familiar setup does not remove the need to calculate the centre before starting a kingside attack.
Common mistake
Copying an ...e6 attack without assessing the centre. Black's fianchetto and potential ...d4 advance create different tactical targets; complete development and decide whether e5, exd5 or maintaining the tension best serves the pieces before committing attacking pawns.
Representative position
The position this opening is aiming at. Copy the FEN, or open it in the analysis board and let the engine tell you what it is worth.
r1bq1rk1/pp2ppbp/2n2np1/2pp4/4P3/3P1NP1/PPPN1PBP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - 1 8
Analyze this position