Kings Indian Defense Bayonet Attack
King’s Indian Defense — Bayonet Attack
Definition
The Bayonet Attack is an aggressive variation for White in the King’s Indian Defense (KID) that arises after the move 9. b4. Its name evokes the image of White thrusting a pawn “like a bayonet” deep into Black’s position to seize space on the queenside and force early concrete decisions. The Bayonet appears in the classical line of the KID, generally starting from the position reached after:
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 (Bayonet Attack)
Typical Move Order & Key Ideas
After 9. b4, White gains space on the queenside and often intends a5, c5 or c5–c6 to cramp Black’s minor pieces. Black, in classic KID style, counters in the center and on the kingside with …f5, …g5, …Ng6–f4, and possibly …g4, seeking a mating attack. The strategic battle is thus sharply divided:
- White: Expand on the queenside, break with c5 or a5, and exploit the d6 pawn or the c-file. Pieces aim at the b5, c6, and d5 squares.
- Black: Attack the white king by pawn storms (…f5–f4, …g5–g4), use the e5 outpost, and exploit the long diagonal with the dark-squared bishop.
Strategic Significance
The Bayonet Attack is one of the most theoretically critical weapons against the King’s Indian, challenging Black’s standard plan in the Classical System (…Ne7, …Nd7, …f5). By gaining queenside space early, White delays Black’s kingside pawn storm or forces it under less favorable circumstances. The line attracts players who enjoy concrete, computer-checked positions with a clear strategic map.
Historical Development & Notable Games
- Origin: The idea of 9. b4 began surfacing in the 1970s but was popularized in the 1990s when Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik used it repeatedly with excellent results.
- Kasparov vs. Shirov, Linares 1993: A widely cited model game. Kasparov’s queenside expansion outpaced Shirov’s attack, culminating in powerful central breaks.
- Kramnik vs. Topalov, Dos Hermanas 1996: Demonstrated a positional use of the Bayonet, where Kramnik fixed Black’s structure and squeezed until a favorable endgame.
Main Continuations for Black
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9…a5 — Immediate challenge to b4.
Black tries to undermine White’s pawn spear at once, leading to double-edged play after 10. Ba3! axb4 11. Bxb4.
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9…Nd7 — The traditional KID regrouping.
Follow-ups often include …f5, …h6, …g5. White usually continues 10. a4 or 10. Rb1, keeping the queenside clamp.
- 9…c6 — More solid, striking at d5 before queenside expansion gets out of hand. Play might proceed 10. dxc6 bxc6 11. b5 with typical imbalances.
Illustrative Mini-Game (With Visual Aids)
Below is a short, thematic sequence that showcases the clash of plans. Try to visualize the pawn storms racing on opposite wings:
[[Pgn| d4|Nf6|c4|g6|Nc3|Bg7|e4|d6|Nf3|O-O|Be2|e5|O-O|Nc6|d5|Ne7|b4|Nh5|c5|f5| exf5|gxf5|Nxe5|Bxe5|Bxh5|Ng6|Bc2|Qh4 |arrows|b4b5,c5c6,f5f4,g6f4|squares|b4,c5,f5]]Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The name “Bayonet” was allegedly coined by Russian trainers who likened the b-pawn thrust to a soldier fixing a blade before charging.
- In the mid-1990s, every elite KID practitioner had to rework their repertoire because computer analyses revealed hidden dangers for Black in lines that were once thought harmless.
- The move 9. b4 migrated into Benoni and Grünfeld structures, showing its universal value as a space-gaining weapon.
- Modern engines sometimes suggest delaying b4 in favor of 9. Nd2, but the Bayonet remains popular in practical play for its clarity of plan.
When to Choose the Bayonet
Select the Bayonet Attack if you:
- Enjoy clear queenside vs. kingside races.
- Are comfortable navigating sharp, well-theorized positions.
- Prefer to dictate the strategic direction, forcing Black into a narrow range of setups.
Conversely, players averse to heavy preparation or who prefer slower maneuvering might opt for the 9. Nd2 or 9. Ne1 Classical lines instead.