Reti Opening: Kings Indian Attack Spassky Variation
Réti Opening: King’s Indian Attack, Spassky Variation
Definition
The Réti Opening: King’s Indian Attack (KIA), Spassky Variation is a modern, hyper-modern opening system for White that begins with the moves:
1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6
Classified under ECO code A07, the line bears the name of former World Champion Boris Spassky, whose handling of the early …c5/…Nc6 set-up against the KIA popularised this particular branch in the 1960s.
Basic Move Order & Ideas
- 1. Nf3 – White keeps the choice of central pawn structure flexible.
- …d5 – Black seizes space in the centre.
- 2. g3 – Signals the King’s Indian Attack: White intends to fianchetto the king’s bishop and castle quickly.
- …c5 – Characteristic of the Spassky set-up; challenges the light squares immediately.
- 3. Bg2 Nc6 – Black continues classical piece development and prepares …e5 or …Nf6, hoping to occupy the centre before White strikes back.
From here White may choose:
- 4. d4 – transposing into an English or Réti Catalan-style position.
- 4. O-O followed by d3, Nbd2 and e4 – a “pure” KIA structure.
Strategic Themes
The opening typifies the hyper-modern philosophy: invite Black to build a broad pawn centre, then undermine it with timely pawn breaks.
- For White
- Undermine the d5-pawn with c4 or e4.
- Play for a kingside assault: h3, e4, Re1, Nbd2-f1-h2-g4 and sometimes a pawn storm with h4.
- If Black plays …d4, aim for the c3 break or a minority attack with b4.
- For Black
- Exploit the early …c5/…Nc6 to claim more central space with …e5.
- Develop harmoniously: …Nf6, …Be7, …O-O, and decide between a central pawn roller (…d4) or queenside pressure with …Qb6 and …Rc8.
- Avoid over-extending; the dark-square bishop on g2 becomes powerful once lines open.
Historical Background
The King’s Indian Attack itself gained popularity after World War II through the games of players such as Savielly Tartakower and later Bobby Fischer, but the Spassky Variation rose to prominence when Boris Spassky—then a rising Soviet star—answered the KIA with an immediate …c5 and …Nc6 plan in several strong events (Moscow 1961, Candidates 1965). His dynamic handling showed that Black need not adopt a passive King’s Indian set-up
against 1.Nf3; instead, Black could seize the initiative and steer the game toward open English-type positions.
Illustrative Game
Spassky’s idea first attracted widespread attention in this miniature:
R. Wade – B. Spassky, Moscow 1961
Typical Plans in a Model Position
After the common sequence
1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. O-O Nf6 5. d3 e5 6. Nbd2 Be7
- White often plays e4 (striking at d5) or c4 (undermining Black’s broad pawn centre).
- Black chooses between a central push …d4, opening the position to exploit the space advantage, or …O-O and a restrained build-up, keeping flexibility.
Modern Practice
While cutting-edge theoretical battles are more often fought in razor-sharp Sicilians and Queen’s Gambits, the Spassky Variation still appears at elite level when players seek supple move-order tricks or wish to avoid their opponent’s preparation. Notables such as Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian and Vishy Anand have all adopted this set-up from the Black side in rapid and blitz events.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In the 1965 Candidates’ Final, Spassky unleashed the variation against Korchnoi twice, scoring 1½/2 and underscoring its practical sting.
- Bobby Fischer—famous for his devotion to the King’s Indian Attack—rarely faced the Spassky set-up as White. Ironically, the only recorded instance (Buenos Aires 1970) ended in a draw after Fischer switched plans and treated the game like a Catalan.
- The line demonstrates that the Réti and King’s Indian Attack are not
opening systems you can play on autopilot
; move-order nuances like …c5 and …Nc6 can radically change the character of the game.
Conclusion
The Réti Opening: King’s Indian Attack, Spassky Variation is an ideal practical weapon for players who enjoy flexible structures and rich middlegame play. Understanding the interplay between central pawn breaks and fianchetto pressure is far more important than memorising lengthy theory—making it suitable for club players and grandmasters alike.