Spassky's Variation of the King's Indian Attack arises after 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 b5. ECO code: A05.

Overview

Named after World Champion Boris Spassky, who employed this unusual queenside expansion. With 2...b5, Black seizes space on the queenside and prepares to fianchetto the queen's bishop to b7.

Strategic Themes & Plans

Black aims for long-diagonal pressure from b7 and queenside expansion, counterbalancing White's typical kingside fianchetto. White continues with Bg2, 0-0, and d3, developing harmoniously while monitoring Black's queenside ambitions. The unusual ...b5 can be double-edged, as it weakens the c5 and a6 squares.