King's Indian Attack · A08

Sicilian Variation, after 1. e4, through 8. Re1

1. e4 e6 2. d3 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. Ngf3 c5 5. g3 Nc6 6. Bg2 Be7 7. O-O O-O 8. Re1

The pawns on d5 and e4 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the French Defense.
• 2. d3 Supports the centre, adding control of e4. Theory calls this the King's Indian Attack.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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