papachess.com

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation is a dynamic and aggressive chess opening that offers complex and varied positions. Analyzing it move by move allows players to understand how to position their pieces, control the center, and launch their attack. In what follows, we shall provide an in-depth analysis of each move and its implications for the player.

50%

50%

winrate

0%

This line (9 moves) is played in approximately 1 out of every 1000 games

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation is a popular chess opening that starts with 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. Nf3 d6 5. Bg5. This variation is named after the former World Chess Champion Vassily Smyslov, who frequently played this opening.

The main advantage of this opening is that it allows black to develop their pieces actively and launch a counterattack on the white king's position. The black bishop on g7 is a powerful attacking piece, which can be used to create threats against the white castled king.

One of the weaknesses of this opening is that it requires precise coordination of black's pieces. Black must carefully plan their pawn breaks and piece maneuvers to maintain a solid position and prevent white from taking over the central space.

The Smyslov Variation is considered to be of moderate difficulty and requires a good understanding of basic chess principles such as piece development, pawn structure, and tactical motifs. It is a dynamic opening that can lead to varied and complex positions.

In sum, the King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation is a solid and aggressive opening choice for black, which can lead to exciting and unbalanced positions on the chessboard.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation, move by move

d4

+0.14

The move d4 is played by white to establish a strong central pawn. By doing so, white is aiming to control the center and limit the mobility of black's pieces. This move also prepares for a possible exchange in the center with black's pawn on e5, gaining more space. In sum, the move d4 sets the tone for a strategic battle where each player will aim to control the center and develop their pieces.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation d4

Nf6

+0.64

The move Nf6 by black is played to attack white's pawn on d4 and aim for control over the center. This move also helps in developing the knight early in the game while preparing to castle. Playing Nf6 also potentially allows black to transpose into other openings depending on the subsequent moves played by white. By putting pressure on white's pawn on d4, black lays the foundation for their own strategic options going forward in the game.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation Nf6

c4

-0.12

The move c4 played by white is a standard response to black's move Nf6. The move aims to control d5, limiting black's pawn to advance and reduce their ability to control vital central squares. By taking control of the center, white also gains the freedom to move their pieces around more easily. Additionally, playing c4 prepares for possible future exchanges in the center and the chance for white to gain more space and create chances for an attack.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation c4

g6

+0.78

In the King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation, black plays g6 to prepare for the fianchetto of their bishop to g7 and take control over the long diagonal. This move also ensures that black's king is safe by moving it to the kingside corner. By playing g6, black also tries to reduce white's control over the center and prepares their pawn on d6 to reinforce the pawn on e5. Additionally, playing g6 can set the stage for possible pawn breaks on the kingside by freeing up the f5 square for the knight to move forward.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation g6

Nc3

+0.07

The move Nc3 played by white develops the knight and attacks black's pawn on d5. This move also prepares for the future development of white's pieces and the potential exchange in the center and on the queenside. By playing Nc3, white sets the stage for a wider range of strategic possibilities. It can also signal an intention to play an attacking game by preparing to move the queen to the kingside and castle. In sum, the move Nc3 is a standard move in many openings and aims to improve white's control over the board.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation Nc3

Bg7

+1.2

The move Bg7 by black continues their development while preparing to create a strong pawn chain on the kingside using their knight and pawns. Additionally, by fianchettoing their bishop, black aims to put pressure on the center with their minor pieces and create potential attacking opportunities in the future. By developing the bishop on this diagonal, black also ensures that its path is clear for future positional maneuvers, and the bishop can be of use in defensive situations as well. This move is also in line with the strategic objectives of the King's Indian Defense by creating a sturdy position on the kingside and preparing for potential pawn breaks.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation Bg7

Nf3

-0.11

In the King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation, white plays Nf3 to improve their development, support the pawn on e4, and put pressure on black's central pawn. The move also provides flexibility for white's knight, who can be redirected to the kingside for potential attacks. Additionally, playing Nf3 protects the vulnerable pawn on d4 by defending it with two pieces. It also prepares for future exchanges and positional moves in the center or on the queenside. The move Nf3 is a standard move in many openings and allows for increased strategic options for white going forward.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation Nf3

d6

+0.66

The move d6 played by black helps to reinforce the pawn on e5 and further control over the center. The move also prepares for the development of black's light-squared bishop to e6, which can support the pawn structure or exert pressure on the kingside. By playing d6, black also secures the king and provides for the possibility of castling in the future. Additionally, this move denies white the option of playing e5 and gaining more space and control in the center. In sum, the move d6 helps to maintain the equilibrium in the position and prepares for a wide range of strategic possibilities.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation d6

Bg5

-0.26

The move Bg5 played by white pins black's knight on f6, which removes its defense of the e5 square. This enables white to potentially capture the e5 pawn or gain more control over the center. By playing Bg5, white also puts pressure on the black bishop on g7 and threatens to exchange it with their knight on c3. This move also prepares for a potential future move of Nh4, which can be used to attack the black king on the kingside. In sum, the move Bg5 provides white with an opportunity to gain control of the center and potentially create a favorable position with strategic potential for future attacks.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation Bg5

How to play the King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation starts with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.Nf3 d6 5.Bg5. Black's pawn structure is symmetrical to white's, but black's bishop on g7 is the key attacking piece. Black must maintain active defensive pieces, use pawn breaks and piece maneuvers to maintain a solid position, and coordinate attacks against the white castled king's position. Knights should be developed toward the center while avoiding exchanges of minor pieces until the attack is already underway. Black should play aggressively, but be patient and prepared to move the key pieces for the optimal timing of a successful attack.

How to counter the King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation is an aggressive opening that can be difficult to counter. White needs to deny black control over key squares and block any pawn breaks. Avoid creating any weaknesses in pawn structure and guard against black's dangerous bishop on g7. Push the pawn to d5 as early as possible to limit black's options and control the center. Attack black's pawn chain and look for weaknesses. Don't be afraid to initiate exchanges when appropriate to limit black's initiative.

Pawn structure in the King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation starts with a symmetrical pawn structure. Black needs to be careful to not fall behind in central control, so they must keep their pieces active. Black's light-squared bishop stands out as a powerful attacker, which often justifies moves like d6 and g6. White usually has a more flexible and centralized position, but black can use that to their advantage when they play with precise piece coordination. Pawn breaks are crucial to shatter the opposing pawn chain if the center becomes solid. The pawns play an important role in controlling the piece's movements on the board.

The papachess advice

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation is a chess opening that demands active play and strategic thinking. Its symmetrical pawn structure and black's powerful light-squared bishop make it a solid choice for those seeking exciting gameplay. Black must carefully plan and coordinate their pieces during the attack, while being aware of White's response. The tactical and positional combinations can create a varied game, though it requires a good understanding of basic chess principles. The opening is not easy, but with study and practice, it can become a tool for aggressive and precise gameplay. The pawn structure, in particular, plays an important role in controlling center space, creating weaknesses and attacking the white king’s position. The aggressive nature of King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation is a largely experimental opening, but it can certainly pay off for those willing to take risks and play with precision. In the end, this opening offers a chance for black to fight back against central control and launch a satisfying attack.

King's Indian Defense: Smyslov Variation in brief

Eco code : E61

Allows black to develop actively

Can launch a counter-attack on white

Provides a powerful attacking bishop on g7

Requires precise coordination of black's pieces

Needs careful pawn breaks and piece maneuvers

Can lead to complex and unbalanced positions

I found a mistake!