Flick-Knife (Bayonet Attack) in Chess

Flick-Knife

Definition

The Flick-Knife is a nickname for ultra-aggressive attacking setups used against certain fianchettoed king’s pawn defenses. Most commonly, it refers to:

The Bayonet Attack (9. b4) in the King’s Indian Defence (KID) — a rapid queenside pawn thrust designed to slice open Black’s structure in the Mar del Plata setup.
A sharp “hack” setup versus the Pirc/Modern, often built around Be3, Qd2, f3 and a quick g4–h4–h5 pawn storm when Black castles short (closely related to the 150 Attack).

The name evokes a fast, penetrating lunge — a positionally justified pawn thrust that aims to open lines with immediate effect. British chess literature popularized the colorful term, sometimes using it interchangeably with related attacking labels (e.g., the Bayonet Attack in the KID or the 150 Attack versus the Pirc Defence/Modern Defence).

Typical Openings and Move Orders

King’s Indian Defence (KID), Bayonet/Flick-Knife idea:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. b4

Here, 9. b4 is the “flick-knife” thrust on the queenside, immediately challenging Black’s standard kingside attack by racing for space and files on the other wing.
Pirc/Modern Flick-Knife (150 Attack family):
Pirc: 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 g6 4. Be3 Bg7 5. Qd2 6. f3 (with g4, h4, h5) Modern: 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 4. Be3 5. Qd2 6. f3 (same kingside pawn storm idea)

White typically delays castling, or castles long, and aims a quick g4–h4–h5 to force lines against a short-castled Black king.

How It Is Used in Chess

The Flick-Knife concept is a practical, forcing tool. It reduces Black’s flexibility by committing the structure early and creating immediate threats. In the KID, it targets the queenside before Black’s kingside attack crashes through. In the Pirc/Modern, it punishes premature kingside castling by opening files against the king with pawns and heavy pieces.

Strategic Themes and Plans

In the KID (Bayonet/Flick-Knife):
- White: Expand with b4–c5, gain space on the queenside, and provoke concessions. Typical piece routes include Nd2–c4, Ba3 to put pressure on d6, and a timely a4–a5 clamp.
- Black: Counter with …f5 and a kingside pawn storm; prepare …a5 to chip at b4; central breaks with …c6 or …c5 can undermine White’s bind; piece maneuvers like …Nh5–f4 or …Ne8–g7–f5 appear often.
- Key squares/files: c5, b5, the a-file, and the long diagonal a1–h8.
Versus the Pirc/Modern (150-Style Flick-Knife):
- White: Be3, Qd2, f3 and a quick g4–h4–h5 to rip open h- and g-files; often Bc4 and long castling to accelerate the attack.
- Black: Timely …h5 to blunt the storm; queenside counterplay with …b5; central breaks with …e5 or …c5; avoiding an unsafe short castle or preparing it carefully.
- Typical motifs: exchange sacrifice on h5 to open lines; g6/h6 hooks; piece sacrifices on e6/f7.

Illustrative Lines

KID Bayonet/Flick-Knife sample:

The following line shows the early queenside space grab and Black’s typical counterthrusts:

Pirc/Modern Flick-Knife (150-style) sample:

This line highlights Be3, Qd2, f3 and the g/h-pawn storm against a short-castled king:

Historical and Practical Significance

KID Bayonet/Flick-Knife: Gained huge momentum in the 1990s as elite players (notably Kasparov, Kramnik, and Shirov among others) used 9. b4 to challenge the classical KID kingside attack narrative. It forced a re-examination of Black’s resources and move orders in the Mar del Plata.
Pirc/Modern Flick-Knife: Embraced by club and professional players alike because it is concept-driven and dangerous, offering a clear attacking roadmap without excessive memorization.

Common Tactical Motifs

In the KID: the …f5 break and ensuing tactics on e4/e5; sacrifices on a2/a3 or b4 to open files; Ba3 motifs hitting d6; minority-style pressure with a4–a5–b5.
In the Pirc/Modern: exchange sac on h5; Nf4/Nd5 hits on e3/c3; thematic pawn storms creating mating nets along the h- and g-files; central counterblows with …d5 or …e5 at the right moment.

Practical Tips

Know the race: In KID Bayonet positions, evaluate who is faster — Black’s kingside attack or your queenside breakthrough. Accurate timing of c5 and a4–a5 is critical.
Don’t overextend: In Pirc/Modern storms, ensure your own king’s safety (often with long castling) before pushing too many pawns.
Move-order nuance matters: Black can vary with …a5 (vs b4), …c6 or …c5 in the KID; and with …h5 or flexible castling in the Pirc/Modern. Prepare pet lines against these choices.

Interesting Notes

The term “Flick-Knife” underscores speed and surprise — a quick thrust that opens lines before the opponent completes development.
In English-language sources, you’ll see “Flick-Knife” and “Bayonet” used side by side for 9. b4 in the KID. Against the Pirc/Modern, it’s often associated with the no-nonsense 150 Attack ethos: develop, castle long (or stay flexible), and push pawns at the king.