King's Indian: Smyslov System, 5...d6
King's Indian: Smyslov System, 5…d6
Definition
The Smyslov System is a branch of the King’s Indian Defence (KID) that arises after White develops the queen’s bishop to g5 and Black replies …d6 on move 5. A typical move-order is:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. Bg5 d6
After 5…d6 the position is classified under ECO code E60. It is called the Smyslov System in honour of the 7th World Champion, Vasily Smyslov, who employed the idea of Bg5 against the KID as early as the 1940s.
Typical Position after 6. e3
Most often play continues 6. e3 h6 7. Bh4 c5, producing a structure where:
- White’s bishop on h4 pins the f6-knight and can influence the e7-pawn and e-file.
- Black has a solid …d6–…c5 phalanx and keeps the option of the thematic KID pawn thrust …e5 for later.
Strategic Ideas
- For White
- Maintain the pin on the knight to slow down …e5.
- Prepare d4–d5, trying to seize space and reduce Black’s typical kingside attack.
- Choose flexible set-ups: both kingside castling (short) and queenside castling (long) are possible; sometimes White even keeps the king in the centre.
- For Black
- Challenge the Bg5 pin with …h6 and …g5, or later …e5 when the time is right.
- Use the harmonious “classical” piece arrangement—Nc6 (or Nbd7), e7-e5, Re8, and sometimes …c6—to generate central and kingside play.
- If White locks the centre with d4-d5, seek play on the queenside with …a6–…b5 or …c6 followed by …b5.
Historical Background
Smyslov’s early adoption of Bg5 against the KID was motivated by his desire to avoid the sharp Mar del Plata lines and to ask Black a new question
. The system gained theoretical importance in the 1950s and 1960s when players such as David Bronstein and Tigran Petrosian used it to sidestep the heavily analysed main lines.
Famous Games
- Smyslov – Kotov, USSR Ch 1952: Smyslov demonstrated the positional squeeze obtainable after 6. e3 h6 7. Bh4 c5 8. Be2.
- Petrosian – Fischer, Portorož Interzonal 1958: Petrosian employed the quiet 7. Be2 and later strangled Black’s counter-play, steering the game into a favourable endgame.
- Karpov – Kasparov, World Ch (14) 1985: Karpov used the Smyslov idea to keep Kasparov’s dynamic KID in check; the game was eventually drawn after deep manoeuvring.
Typical Plans & Themes
- Bishop Retreats: After …h6, the bishop can slide back to h4, e3, or even d2, each square leading to distinct middlegame plans.
- Delayed f2–f3: Supporting e4 and giving White a solid centre whilst keeping the g4-square under control.
- Minor-Piece Battles: Black often exchanges on f6 after …h6-g5, unbalancing the pawn structure; White then plays h2-h4, fishing for weaknesses.
- Queenside Expansion: If White clamps the centre, Black seeks counter-play with …a6 and …b5, sometimes supported by …c6.
Example Miniature
The following short game illustrates a tactical pitfall for Black when unprepared:
White’s simple play exploited the pin and loose coordination of Black’s pieces, eventually converting the d-pawn to a win.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Smyslov the Singer: Vasily Smyslov was an accomplished opera singer. He claimed that the harmonious development in this system
sounded right
to him—hence he felt at home playing it. - Modern Revival: Grandmasters such as Boris Gelfand and Anish Giri have used the Smyslov System as a practical surprise weapon to avoid the heavily computer-analysed KID main lines.
- Engine Assessment: While engines often give White a small edge (≈ +0.30), the position remains rich in ideas and far less forcing than the contemporary Bayonet or Sämisch variations.
When to Choose the Smyslov System
Opt for Bg5 and the 5…d6 Smyslov move-order if you:
- Prefer positional manoeuvring over the all-out tactical slugfests of the Mar del Plata.
- Like keeping a solid centre whilst depriving Black of the thematic …e5 break.
- Seek a
hybrid
opening that can transpose into Catalan-style or Queen’s Gambit-style middlegames.
Summary
The King’s Indian: Smyslov System, 5…d6 is a flexible, strategically rich answer to the KID, introducing a pin that restricts Black’s central counter-play. Its longevity in top-level practice and the famous names associated with it testify to its enduring practical value.