Smyslov Variation
- 1.Nf3Nf6
- 2.g3g6
- 3.b4
233 games
A rare King's Indian Attack sideline in which White answers Black's ...g6 with 3. b4, gaining queenside space and preparing Bb2 on the long diagonal.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Smyslov Variation
After 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. g3 g6, White plays 3. b4 instead of the routine 3. Bg2. The move grabs queenside space and prepares Bb2, so that a white bishop contests the long diagonal Black intends to occupy. Black nearly always replies 3...Bg7, with 3...d5 and 3...d6 as rare alternatives. Engines consider the position roughly balanced. The line is seldom played, but White scores well in online games.