Réti: KIA & Neo-Grünfeld
Réti: King’s Indian Attack (KIA)
Definition
The Réti: King’s Indian Attack is a flexible White opening system that usually begins with 1. Nf3, followed by g3, Bg2, 0-0, d3, and Nbd2. It is catalogued in ECO under codes A07–A08. Although it often transposes from the Réti Opening, many players simply call the setup “the KIA.”
Typical Move-Order
One of the most common sequences is:
- 1. Nf3 d5
- 2. g3 Nf6
- 3. Bg2 e6
- 4. 0-0 Be7
- 5. d3 0-0
- 6. Nbd2 c5
White keeps the central pawn structure flexible, reserving e2–e4 or c2–c4 until the right moment.
Strategic Ideas
- Hedgehog structure: Pawns on a2, b2, d3, e4 (after a break) form a compact shield; minor pieces maneuver behind it.
- King-side attack: Typical plan is Re1, Nf1–h2–g4, h2–h4, and a thrust with e4 or g4–g5.
- Universal weapon: Because it is a “system,” White can use the KIA against many Black set-ups, avoiding deep theory.
Historical & Practical Significance
The KIA was popularized in the mid-20th century by Fischer, who used it to great effect in the 1960s (e.g., his famous win against Myagmarsuren, Sousse 1967). Its roots, however, go back to Richard Réti’s hypermodern experiments in the 1920s.
Illustrative Example
[[Pgn| Nf3|d5|g3|Nf6|Bg2|e6|0-0|Be7|d3|0-0|Nbd2|c5|e4|dxe4|dxe4|Nc6|e5|Nd7|Re1|Qc7|Qe2|b6|h4|h6|Nf1|Bb7|Bf4|Rad8|N1h2|Nd4|Nxd4|cxd4|Qg4|Kh8|Qh5|Bxg2|Kxg2|Qxc2|Ng4|Qg6|Qxg6|fxg6|Rad1|g5|hxg5|hxg5|Bc1|d3|Rxd3|Nxe5|Rxd8|Nf3|Rxf8+|Rxf8|Rh1+|Kg8|Nh6+|Kh7|Nf5+|Kg6|Nxe7+|Kf6|Nc6|g4|Rh5|e5|Nxe5|Nxe5|Bf4|Nd3|Nd7|Re8|Nxe1|Rxe1|Re1|r1|| ]]Interesting Facts
- Because it often involves a late e4 pawn break, some databases even classify the KIA as a delayed Closed Sicilian—in reverse!
- Garry Kasparov employed a KIA structure against Deep Blue (Game 2, 1997) to sidestep computer opening preparation.
Neo-Grünfeld Defence
Definition
The Neo-Grünfeld is a modern branch of the Grünfeld Defence in which Black delays or avoids the immediate capture on c4. The standard move-order is:
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 g6
- 3. Nf3 d5
ECO codes range from D70 to D79. The word “Neo” distinguishes this line from the classical Grünfeld (3…d5 after 3. Nc3) because White’s knight is already on f3, affecting central dynamics.
Main Continuations
- 4. g3 (Fianchetto Variation): White mirrors Black’s kingside setup, aiming for solid central control.
- 4. e3: Transposes into Catalan-like structures.
- 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4: A direct challenge to the center, reminiscent of the classical Grünfeld.
Strategic Themes
- Central tension: Black frequently keeps the pawn on d5 until the optimal moment, choosing between …dxc4 or …c6.
- Piece activity vs. structure: As in the Grünfeld, Black accepts a potential spatial deficit in exchange for dynamic piece play and pressure on d4 and c4.
- Catalan crossover: Many Neo-Grünfeld lines share ideas with the Catalan, including the long-diagonal pressure of the g7-bishop.
Historical & Practical Significance
The Neo-Grünfeld rose to prominence in the 1980s, championed by players such as Anatoly Karpov and later Peter Svidler. Because it sidesteps the heavy theory of the Exchange Grünfeld, it remains a favorite of top-level grandmasters seeking a fighting yet reliable defence.
Model Game
Bobby Fischer himself tested the opening from the Black side:
[[Pgn| d4|Nf6|c4|g6|Nf3|d5|g3|Bg7|cxd5|Nxd5|e4|Nb6|Nc3|Bg4|Be3|Nc6|d5|Ne5|Be2|Bxf3|Bxf3|Nxf3+|Qxf3|Nc4|Qe2|Nxe3|Qxe3|0-0|0-0|c6|dxc6|bxc6|Rfd1|Qa5|Rd7|Rab8|Rad1|Rxb2|Ne2|Rxa2|Nd4|Bxd4|Qxd4|Qa4|Rxe7|c5|Qd5|Qc2|Rd2|Qc3|Qxa2|Qf3|Rxe8|Qe2|Qg4|Kf1|Qh3+|Kg1|Rf8|Qf1|| ]]Interesting Facts
- Because White’s knight is already on f3, the notorious 7. Nc3, Bxc3+ Grünfeld forcing lines simply cannot arise—saving Black a mountain of theory.
- In some move-orders, Black can transpose to a King’s Indian Defence with …d6 instead of …d5, giving Neo-Grünfeld players added flexibility.
- Peter Svidler’s remarkable 2021 World Cup run featured the Neo-Grünfeld in multiple knockout games, cementing his reputation as a Grünfeld connoisseur.