Hocus-Pocus. Part two.

GM Gserper

May 15, 2011, 12:00 AM | 10 | Tactics

In last week's article (hocus-pocus) we discussed the connection between the King's Indian Defense (KID) and the King's Indian Attack (KIA). Today we'll analyze some typical attacking ideas of the KIA.

The Nf3-g5 maneuver.

This is the most aggressive and dangerous maneuver at White's disposal. Black cannot really tolerate such a Knight, so he'll capture it either with his Be7 or (after h7-h6) with the h6 pawn. In most the cases White recaptures with the h4 pawn (since the h2-h4 move is essential for the KIA) to open the 'h' file for his attack, like in the next game:

(Just like in most of my articles I give you a chance to test your attacking skills, so the game is given as a Quiz. Please remember that you can always replay the whole game from the first move if you click "Solution" and then "Move list".)

Even when the Ng5 move doesn't lead to an opening of the 'h' file it is still usually a signal for a decisive attack since White pieces quickly appear dangerously close to the Black King like in the next iconic game:

A sacrifice on the 'd5' square

It is very common for Black to attack White's 'e5' pawn by playing Qc7 which practically forces White to play Bf4 to protect it. But then we have a very dangerous 'X-ray' Bf4-Qc7 and a sacrifice on d5 followed by the e5-e6 move becomes a constant tactical threat. Usually it doesn't lead to an immediate win, but the strategical consequences are pretty bad for Black.

As you could see the KIA is a very dangerous attacking opening where a tiny slip can immediately spell disaster for Black. Next week we'll discuss more typical ideas of this exciting opening set up.

Hocus-Pocus. Part two.

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