Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation

Before the first move

The Sämisch Variation of the Nimzo-Indian is a sharp, confrontational choice where White immediately challenges your bishop. White accepts doubled pawns in exchange for a massive center and the bishop pair, leading to unbalanced, strategic battles where you must exploit White's structural weaknesses.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, the most common alternative to e4. This move controls e5 and prepares to build a strong central presence. You can respond with many setups, but Nf6 is the most flexible way to prevent White from immediately playing e4.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is a flexible, hypermodern response that prevents White from playing e4 and keeps your options open for various defensive structures like the Nimzo-Indian or the King's Indian.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White

White plays c4, expanding in the center and preparing to develop the knight to c3. Other options like the London System with Bf4 or the Trompowsky with Bg5 lead to very different types of games, but c4 is the most ambitious.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... e6Black · your move

Push your pawn to e6. This solidifies your control of the center and clears the diagonal for your king's bishop to enter the game. You are preparing to challenge White's knight once it reaches c3.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, the most direct way to contest the center. White invites the Nimzo-Indian, though alternatives like Nf3 or g3 for a Catalan setup are also very popular ways to avoid the upcoming pin.

Other paths here: g3 (Catalan Opening) · Qb3 (Indian Defense) · g4 (Indian Defense: Devin Gambit) · Bg5 (Indian Defense: Seirawan Attack)

3... Bb4Black · your move

Develop your bishop to b4 and pin the knight to the king. This is the defining move of the Nimzo-Indian Defense. You are neutralizing White's influence over the e4 square and preparing to castle quickly.

Other paths here: b6 (Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, 3...b6) · c5 (Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, 3...c5) · d5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation)

4. a3White

White plays a3, the signature of the Sämisch Variation. White refuses to be pinned and demands an immediate decision. Alternatives like Nf3 or e3 are more patient, but a3 leads to the most aggressive and unbalanced positions.

Other paths here: f3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Kmoch Variation) · Qd3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Mikenas Attack) · g3 (Nimzo-Indian Defense: Romanishin Variation) · Bd2 (Nimzo-Indian: 4.Bd2)

Where you stand

The stage is set for a deep strategic struggle. As Black, you will likely capture on c3, giving White doubled pawns that you can target with moves like c5 and b6. White will use their extra center pawn and the bishop pair to launch a direct attack on your kingside or dominate the middle of the board.

• b4-c3 Trade bishop for knight to damage White's structure
• c3-c4 The doubled c-pawns support a central push
• e2-e4 White aims to build a massive pawn center
• c7-c5 Black strikes at the d4 pawn to undermine the center
• e8-g8 Black secures the king before the center opens