Reti: KIA, 2...c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.O-O
Reti: KIA, 2…c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.O-O
Definition
This opening line begins with the Reti Opening (1.Nf3) and quickly
transposes into a King’s Indian Attack (KIA) structure. The exact move
order is
1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.O-O.
• “Reti” names the hyper-modern system introduced by Richard Réti in the
1920s, where White often attacks the center from the flanks.
• “KIA” (King’s Indian Attack) refers to White’s characteristic setup
resembling the King’s Indian Defense, but with colors reversed.
• “2…c5” shows Black’s immediate challenge to the center, adopting a
symmetrical pawn on c5, while 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.O-O
completes White’s kingside development.
Typical Move Order
The basic skeleton is:
- 1.Nf3 d5
- 2.g3 c5
- 3.Bg2 Nf6
- 4.O-O
From here the game often continues 4…Nc6 5.d4 (or 5.c4) when both sides decide whether to keep a symmetrical center or allow tension with …cxd4 / …e5.
Strategic Themes
- Hyper-modern central control. White delays occupying the center with pawns, instead applying pressure with pieces (Bg2, Nf3, c-pawn breaks).
- Flexible pawn breaks. White can choose between:
- c4 — transposing into an English-style position.
- d3 & e4 — the pure KIA plan aimed at a later e4–e5 thrust.
- d4 — sharpening the position immediately.
- Black’s counterplay. The early …c5 suggests a Queen’s-Gambit-Symmetrical structure. Black seeks space with …Nc6, …e5 or …g6, or breaks with …d4.
- King-side attack vs. Queenside expansion. In many lines White storms the kingside (f2-f4-f5) while Black expands with …b5 or probes the center with …e5.
Historical & Theoretical Notes
• Richard Réti pioneered 1.Nf3 to demonstrate that controlling, not
occupying, the center could be equally effective.
• The KIA found a devoted follower in Bobby Fischer in the 1960s, who used
it to beat grandmasters such as Myagmarsuren (Sousse 1967) and even
Tigran Petrosian (Buenos Aires 1970 exhibition). Although Fischer often
reached the KIA via 1.e4, the strategic plans are identical.
• In modern times players like Hikaru Nakamura and Levon Aronian employ
this exact Réti move order to steer opponents away from heavy theory and
into strategic battles.
Illustrative Example
The following miniature demonstrates both sides’ ideas:
- After 8.c4 White gains space on the queenside, while Black sets up a central lever with …e5.
- The asymmetrical pawn structure gives both sides long-lasting play without early exchanges.
Critical Plans & Ideas
- For White
- Expand with c2-c4 (English flavor) or d2-d3 & e2-e4 (pure KIA).
- Bring a knight to e5 after e4-e5, then launch f-pawn to undermine g6 or e6.
- Sometimes trade on d5 and play c4-c5, fixing a weak d-pawn.
- For Black
- Early …Nc6 & …e5 grabbing central space.
- Fianchetto with …g6 and mimic White’s king-side structure, equalizing both diagonals.
- Queenside majority play: …b5–b4 followed by …a5 targeting c4 or a2.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In blitz, the line enjoys popularity because White can blitz out the first ten moves on “autopilot,” saving time for the middlegame.
- Magnus Carlsen has used 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.O-O as a low-theory surprise weapon in rapid events, notably vs. Anish Giri (Chessable Masters 2020), steering the game into a fresh fight.
- Because White’s first four moves are identical against almost any Black reply (d5, c5, Nf6), club players often label this set-up “the universal system.”
When to Choose This Line
Select the Réti-KIA with …c5 lines if you:
- Prefer strategic maneuvering over concrete theory.
- Enjoy attacking chances against the enemy king yet want a solid own position.
- Wish to sidestep heavy preparation in mainstream Queen’s Gambit or Catalan lines.