Reti: KIA, Spassky
Réti: King’s Indian Attack (KIA)
Definition
The King’s Indian Attack (often abbreviated KIA) is a family of openings for White that typically arises from a Réti or a French Defence move-order. It is characterised by the flexible set-up: 1. Nf3, 2. g3, 3. Bg2, 4. 0-0, 5. d3, 6. Nbd2, 7. e4. Although the piece placement mirrors the King’s Indian Defence, it is called an “attack” because White adopts the King’s Indian structure while retaining the first-move advantage.
Typical Move Order
One of the most common Réti paths is:
- 1. Nf3 d5
- 2. g3 Nf6
- 3. Bg2 e6
- 4. 0-0 Be7
- 5. d3 0-0
- 6. Nbd2 c5
- 7. e4 Nc6 — the basic KIA tabiya.
Strategic Themes
- King-side pawn storm: Typical advances include h2-h4-h5 or f2-f4-f5 to pry open lines toward Black’s king.
- Central flexibility: By delaying an early d4 or e4, White can adapt to Black’s structure, switching from closed to open play as needed.
- Piece manoeuvres: Knights often reroute to g5 or c4; the light-squared bishop eyes the long diagonal a8-h1.
- Hedgehog vs. Bind: Against …c5 and …e6, the position may resemble a Hedgehog, while versus …c6 and …d5 it echoes a Slav pawn structure.
Historical & Theoretical Notes
The system was popularised by Richard Réti in the 1920s as part of the hyper-modern movement, but its “King’s Indian Attack” label became widespread after American GM Bobby Fischer used it to lethal effect in the 1960s. At elite level it appears irregularly; at club level it is prized for its transpositional possibilities and reduced theory burden.
Illustrative Game
Bobby Fischer – Samuel Reshevsky, US Championship 1965/66, is a textbook demonstration:
Fischer’s slow build-up culminated in a devastating king-side assault, a model for aspiring KIA practitioners.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Fischer scored +8 =3 -0 with the KIA in US Championships.
- World Champion Magnus Carlsen occasionally employs the system to avoid deep opening theory, as in his win against V. Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 2012.
- The KIA can be reached against the French Defence after 1. e4 e6 2. d3 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. Ngf3, showing its versatility.
Spassky
Definition
Boris Vasilievich Spassky (born 1937) is a Russian-French grandmaster and the 10th World Chess Champion (1969-1972). Renowned for his universal style, Spassky is one of only a few players to have contested World Championship matches in three different decades (1966, 1969, 1972).
Early Life & Career
- Won the World Junior Championship 1955.
- Became a grandmaster at 18, at the time the youngest ever.
- Tied for first in the 1956 USSR Championship while still a teenager.
- Captured the world crown by defeating Tigran Petrosian in 1969.
Playing Style
Spassky is often described as the “universal” champion: he could attack like Tal, defend like Petrosian, and steer positional waters like Smyslov. Key hallmarks include:
- Harmonious piece play: Emphasis on coordination over material.
- Dynamic pawn sacrifices to open lines or seize the initiative.
- Psychological flexibility: Comfortable in sharp and quiet systems alike.
Opening Repertoire
Spassky’s name is attached to several variations:
- Spassky Variation of the Closed Sicilian (1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3).
- Spassky Variation of the Grünfeld (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bg5 — sometimes called the “Russian System”).
- Frequent use of the Marshall Attack in the Ruy Lopez and the Najdorf Sicilian with both colours.
Legacy & Influence
Though most famous for his 1972 loss to fischer, Spassky’s approach inspired future champions such as Karpov and Carlsen, who admire his effortless switch between combinational and positional play. His universal method is a template for all-round chess education.
Memorable Game
Game 6 of the 1972 World Championship, often called “Fischer’s positional masterpiece,” actually showcases Spassky’s sporting spirit—he applauded Fischer at the board after resigning.
Although Fischer won, note Spassky’s resilience and accurate defence until a late blunder—illustrative of his fighting spirit.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Spassky is the only World Champion to have been born in Leningrad (now St Petersburg) and later become a French citizen.
- He amused audiences by occasionally playing 1. h4!? in simultaneous exhibitions.
- Spassky famously said, “When you see a good move—look for a better one,” a riff on Lasker’s maxim.
- His peak FIDE rating was 2690 in 1971 .
- Still active in veterans’ events, he drew a rapid game with Magnus Carlsen in 2006, spanning two generations of champions.
- Historical rating curve: [[Chart|Rating|Classic|1955-1980]].