Kings Indian Defense: Smyslov (Normal) Variation

King's Indian Defense – Smyslov (Normal) Variation

Definition

The Smyslov Variation of the King's Indian Defense (often indexed as ECO E90) arises after the move order:
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. h3
The modest pawn push 5.h3 characterizes the system and lends the line its name. In older literature it is sometimes called the “Normal System,” but modern databases usually list it under the Smyslov label in honor of the 7th World Champion, Vasily Smyslov, who explored its subtleties in the 1950s-60s.

Main Ideas & Strategic Themes

Anti-pin prophylaxis: 5.h3 prevents Black’s typical …Bg4 pin of the knight on f3, allowing White to develop smoothly with Nf3, Be3 or Bg5.
Flexible center: White keeps options open between the classical pawn roller with d4–d5 and more restrained central play (sometimes even d4-dxe5 in certain move orders).
Delayed kingside expansion: Because the h-pawn has advanced one square, the usual KID pawn storm with …f5 is slightly harder for Black to execute; the g-pawn is pinned to g6 in many lines.
Piece play over pawn storms: Compared with the sharp Saemisch (5.f3) or Four Pawns Attack (4.f4), the Smyslov aims for maneuvering → long-term pressure rather than immediate tactical fireworks.

Typical Continuations

The most common branching points occur after:

5…O-O 6.Nf3 e5
- 7.d5 (Main line) a6 / Na6 (Black chooses a plan with …c6 or …f5 next)
- 7.Be2 (Flexible line) exd4 8.Nxd4 Re8 etc.
5…c5 6.Nf3 cxd4 7.Nxd4 O-O (immediate Queen’s Indian–style counterplay)

Historical & Competitive Significance

Vasily Smyslov introduced the system in top-level play against contemporaries such as David Bronstein and Efim Geller. Although never the main weapon for World Championship matches, it became a reliable sideline for many grandmasters seeking a positional antidote to the KID’s razor-sharp Mar del Plata battles. Notable adherents include:

Ulf Andersson — used the line to out-maneuver more tactical opponents in the 1970s.
Peter Svidler — revived the system in the 2000s with several instructive victories.
Anna Muzychuk — employs it regularly in top women’s events.

Illustrative Game

Smyslov – Bronstein, USSR Championship 1952: After 17.g4! White clamped the kingside and later exploited weaknesses on the light squares to secure a positional victory. The game is a model for White’s anti-…f5 strategy.

Practical Tips

For White:
- Do not rush d4-d5 unless your pieces are harmoniously placed; the move fixes the structure permanently.
- Queenside play with b4–b5 can be powerful when Black chooses …a6 instead of …Na6.
- Consider Be3, g4 and Nd2-f1-g3 maneuver against players who insist on …f5.
For Black:
- Timely …c6 and …b5 breaks challenge White’s space advantage.
- The knight tour …Na6–c5 pressurizes d3/b3 squares and often prepares …f5 anyway.
- Avoid passive setups; the King’s Indian thrives on activity even in quieter systems like this one.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

Smyslov reputedly discovered 5.h3 during casual analysis sessions in Moscow’s “Central Chess Club,” where he looked for ways to apply endgame principles right from the opening.
Although considered solid, Stockfish 16 still evaluates many Smyslov main lines as roughly equal, indicating its long-standing theoretical soundness.
The move h2–h3 has a mirror equivalent in the Pirc (h3 vs …Bg4) and even in some Sicilians (the so-called Anti-Najdorf h3), showing how prophylaxis against a single pin can shape entire opening systems.

Kings Indian Defense: Smyslov (Normal) Variation