King's Indian Attack
A systematic approach where White develops with g3, Bg2, and 0-0 regardless of Black's setup.
ECO Code
A04-A09
Difficulty
Intermediate
Style
Positional/Flexible
Strategic Ideas for White
- Universal setup: Same formation against any Black setup
- Kingside attack: Build pressure with h4-h5, eventual kingside assault
- Central control: Re1, e4-e5 advance creating space and attack
- Piece coordination: Nbd2-f3-e5 maneuver typical
- Flexible structure: Adapt to Black's setup while maintaining plan
- King safety first: Secure king before launching attacks
Black's Common Setups
French Defense Structure
Black adopts French-style setup, White continues with typical KIA development.
Caro-Kann Structure
Black plays Caro-Kann style with early bishop development.
Sicilian Defense
Against Sicilian, KIA offers excellent attacking chances.
The KIA Philosophy
The King's Indian Attack is a universal system where White uses the same setup regardless of Black's response. Named after the King's Indian Defense because White adopts a similar pawn structure, the KIA emphasizes understanding typical plans over memorizing variations. The system aims for kingside attack through e4-e5, h4-h5, and piece pressure.
Key Strategic Themes
For White
- Central advance: e4-e5 is the key pawn break for space and attack
- Kingside assault: h4-h5 creating mating attacks
- Piece pressure: Nf3-e5, Qd1-e2-h5 typical maneuvers
- File pressure: Re1-e3-h3 for kingside attack
- Universal plans: Same ideas against different Black setups
For Black
- Central counterplay: Challenge White's e4-e5 advance
- Queenside expansion: Create counterplay with ...c5, ...b5
- King safety: Prepare defenses against kingside attack
- Active pieces: Keep pieces actively placed
- Pawn breaks: Use ...c5 or ...f6 to disrupt White's plans
Main Attacking Plans
Greek Gift Sacrifice
Classical bishop sacrifice leading to mating attack when conditions are right.
Pawn Storm
Direct pawn assault supported by pieces, very dangerous when it works.
Piece Pressure
Building piece pressure without immediate sacrifices, safer approach.
Common Mistakes
For White: Don't attack prematurely without proper piece support. The KIA requires patience.
For Black: Don't ignore kingside safety. Prepare adequate defenses against White's typical attacks.
Tactical Themes
Common Patterns:
- Bishop sacrifices: Bxh7+ and Bxh6 breaking open the kingside
- Queen attacks: Qh5, Qg4, Qh6 creating mating threats
- Rook lifts: Re3-h3 or Rf3-h3 for direct attack
- Knight forks: Ne5 often creates tactical opportunities
Famous Games
Fischer vs. Myagmarsuren
Fischer's brilliant KIA attack demonstrating the system's power.
Benko vs. Larsen
Classic KIA technique with methodical buildup and devastating attack.
Related Systems
Master the King's Indian Attack
Learn this universal attacking system that offers excellent practical chances and rich tactical possibilities.
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