French KIA, Reversed Philidor, 4...b6
French: KIA (King’s Indian Attack vs. the French Defence)
Definition
“French: KIA” is shorthand for the King’s Indian Attack employed against the French Defence. Whereas the classical King’s Indian Attack (KIA) can be reached against many Black set-ups, this branch begins with 1. e4 e6 2. d3, deliberately sidestepping typical French main lines (2.d4) in favour of a compact, flexible king-side fianchetto plan that echoes the King’s Indian Defence – but with colours reversed and an extra tempo for White.
Typical Move-order
The most common sequence is: 1. e4 e6 2. d3 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. Ngf3 c5 5. g3 Nc6 (…Be7) 6. Bg2 Be7 7. O-O O-O, after which White usually plays Re1, e5 and h4–h5, or c3 and d4, depending on Black’s set-up.
Strategic Themes
- King-side expansion: h2–h4–h5, sometimes followed by g4, is a thematic pawn storm aimed at Black’s castled king.
- e4–e5 pawn break: White often prepares e4–e5 with Re1 and sometimes Nf1–h2–g4, cramping Black’s position.
- Flexible centre: Because d2–d4 has been delayed, White can choose between closing the centre with e5 or opening it later with c3 and d4.
- Piece placement: Knights usually reach f1 and g3, the dark-squared bishop goes to g2, and queens often sit on e2 or h5 to support the attack.
Historical Notes
The KIA was popularised by Bobby Fischer, who used it as a surefire weapon in the 1960s when he wished to avoid opening theory (e.g., in the 1967 Sousse Interzonal). Since then it has remained a favourite of club players seeking a unified repertoire against 1…e6 and 1…e5 alike.
Illustrative Game
Fischer – Myagmarsuren, Sousse Interzonal 1967
Interesting Facts
- Because the KIA avoids early contact, computer engines initially evaluate the position as equal, yet statistics show White scoring above 55 % in practice.
- Grandmasters such as Ivanchuk, Nakamura and Radjabov still employ the line occasionally as a surprise weapon.
Reversed Philidor
Definition
The “Reversed Philidor” is an opening system in which White adopts the set-up normally associated with Black’s Philidor Defence, but with an extra tempo. Typical moves are: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d3, followed by Nbd2, g3, Bg2, O-O, and Re1 – mirroring the Philidor’s Hanham set-up (…d6, …Nbd7, …Be7, …c6, …Re8) with colours reversed.
How It Is Used
- Transposition tool: White can steer play into Spanish, Italian or Pirc-like structures depending on Black’s reaction.
- Anti-theory weapon: By avoiding the heavily analysed Ruy Lopez and Italian Game, White shifts the struggle into a maneuvering battle.
- Psychological edge: Many 1…e5 players are experts in sharp, open variations; the Reversed Philidor forces them to play a quiet positional game instead.
Strategic Considerations
With an extra move, White can choose between:
- a quick c2–c3 and d3-d4 central expansion,
- kingside pressure with Nh4–f5 or Nf1–g3–f5,
- queenside play via a2–a4 and b2–b4 if Black castles short.
Historical Significance
Though uncommon at elite level, the system appeared in classic games by Steinitz and Spielmann. More recently, Magnus Carlsen has revived it in rapid and blitz events, notably defeating MVL in the 2020 Chessable Masters.
Example Game
Carlsen – Vachier-Lagrave, Chessable Masters 2020
Interesting Facts
- The ECO codes A40–A41 list the Reversed Philidor under “Queen’s Pawn games” because of the d-pawn’s early development (despite originating from 1.e4).
- With colours reversed, the line is sometimes jokingly called the “Nodihlip” (“Philidon” backwards).
4…b6 in the French Defence (Steinitz Variation, Boleslavsky Line)
Definition
In the French Defence sequence 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e5, Black’s move 4…b6 prepares to fianchetto the queen’s-bishop with …Bb7, exerting pressure on the centre from afar. The idea is playable against both 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 but is most often discussed in the Steinitz Variation (4.e5).
Strategic Ideas
- Targeting d4: After …Bb7 and sometimes …c5, the b7-bishop eyes the d5–e4–d4 complex, challenging White’s central wedge.
- Flexible development: Black often delays …c5, choosing between …c5, …f6 or even …Nc6 depending on White’s set-up.
- Minor-piece play: Because the light-squared bishop comes outside the pawn chain early, Black must arrange …a6 or …c6 to protect b5 and d5 squares.
Typical Continuations
- 5. exf6 Qxf6 6. Nf3 Nd7 7. Bg5 (aiming for ≤e5 breaks).
- 5. Nf3 Nfd7 6. Bg5 Be7 7. h4 c5 8. Nb5 with complex play.
- 5. Bb5+ Nfd7 6. Nce2 c5 7. c3 a6 8. Ba4 b5!
Historical Context
The line was tested by Isaac Boleslavsky in the late 1940s and later refined by Tigran Petrosian. Although eclipsed by sharper alternatives such as the McCutcheon (4…Bb4+) and the Classical main line (4…c5), it remains a sound, strategically rich option.
Illustrative Game
Petrosian – Bolbochan, Buenos Aires 1958
Interesting Facts
- The move appears in the ECO code C16 and is sometimes labelled the “Boleslavsky Variation,” though ECO also calls it simply “4…b6.”
- Modern engines rate 4…b6 as roughly equal (+0.20 for White), making it a viable surprise weapon at all levels.
- Because the bishop develops outside the pawn chain, Black often castles queenside in long games, turning the fianchetto into a springboard for pawn storms with …c5 and …f6.