Kings Indian Attack: Double Fianchetto
King’s Indian Attack – Double Fianchetto Variation
Definition
The King’s Indian Attack (KIA) is a flexible White system usually reached through move-orders such as 1. Nf3, 2. g3 and 3. Bg2, echoing the set-up of the King’s Indian Defence with colours reversed. The Double Fianchetto Variation (sometimes called the “Hedgehog KIA”) is the branch in which White develops both bishops by fianchetto, typically placing one on g2 and the other on b2 (after b2-b3 and Bb2). In shorthand you will often see the move-sequence:
1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. 0-0 0-0 5. b3 … 6. Bb2
Typical Move-Order & Set-Up
- Pawns: g2-g3 and b2-b3 create two long-diagonal batteries; e2-e4 (or sometimes e2-e3) and d2-d3 support a compact centre.
- Bishops: Bg2 pressures the long a8-h1 diagonal; Bb2 eyes the central and queenside squares c3–g7.
- Knights: Nf3 and Nbd2 (or Nc3) reinforce e4 and d5 squares while leaving the c-pawn flexible.
The structure can arise from many openings—Sicilian, French, Caro-Kann, even the Pirc—making it a favourite of players who wish to sidestep heavy theory yet keep rich middlegame chances.
Strategic Ideas
- Dark-square Grip
The g2-bishop, supported by pawns on d3 and e4, clamps down on d5. If Black plays …d5 prematurely, pressure and tactical shots against d5 or e5 often appear. - Queenside Counter-play
The Bb2 fianchetto gives White latent pressure on the c-file and against b7, mirroring Black’s usual plans in the traditional KID. - Flexible Pawn Levers
White can choose between pawn breaks: c2-c4 (expanding), e4-e5 (king-side space), or sometimes d3-d4 (central challenge). - King Safety
Double fianchettoed bishops make the white king on g1 exceedingly safe, which is vital when the centre stays fluid for a long time.
Historical & Contemporary Significance
Robert J. Fischer was the first world-class player to employ the KIA as a primary anti-French and anti-Sicilian weapon, occasionally adding the b2-bishop to create a full double fianchetto. In the computer era, Hikaru Nakamura, Magnus Carlsen, and Richard Rapport have all revived the line to dodge computer-heavy theory while preserving winning chances.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following rapid game shows the core plan of delaying e4 until the bishops are placed:
Key moments: after the bishops settle on g2 and b2, White strikes with c2-c4 and e2-e4, seizing dark-square control while keeping the king airtight.
Common Plans for Black
- Symmetrical Hedgehog: Black mirrors with …b6 and …Bb7, leading to slow maneuvering battles.
- Central Break …d5: A timely …d5 can equalise, but if mistimed White’s bishops become monsters.
- King-side Expansion: In Pirc-like structures Black may play …f5 and …g5, trying to blunt Bg2 before it dominates.
Notable Games to Study
- Fischer vs Myagmarsuren, Sousse Interzonal 1967 – Fischer unleashed a textbook double-fianchetto squeeze.
- Nakamura vs Vachier-Lagrave, Norway Blitz 2015 – illustrates modern handling with rapid pawn storms.
- Carlsen vs Topalov, Bilbao Masters 2016 – Carlsen used the line to avoid the Grunfeld and won a smooth positional game.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because both players often adopt fianchettoed bishops, commentators have dubbed some KIA double-fianchetto encounters “Four-Jet Fighter” positions, with all four bishops operating on long diagonals.
- Grandmaster Ulf Andersson, renowned for his prophylactic style, preferred this variation in correspondence chess, accruing an impressive unbeaten streak in the 1980s.
- The set-up can segue into a Catalan, English or even a Reti; many repertoire books recommend learning the plans once and recycling them across openings.
Quick Reference: Move-Order Skeleton
1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. O-O O-O 5. b3 d6 (…c5 or …d5 are alternatives) 6. Bb2 c5 7. c4 Nc6 8. Nc3 e5 9. d3 h6 10. a3 Be6 (White contemplates e2-e3/e4 or Rb1 & b4.)
Why Choose the Double Fianchetto?
- Low Theory, High Understanding – Ideal for rapid or blitz.
- Safe King – Two bishop umbrellas reduce tactical risk.
- Imbalance – The unusual bishop geometry often unbalances typical pawn structures, offering winning chances for both sides.