King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation

Before the first move

The Sämisch Variation is one of White's most aggressive responses to the King's Indian Defense. By playing f3, White solidifies the center and prepares a kingside pawn storm, while Black ready themselves to counter-attack from the flanks or strike at the heart of White's massive pawn center.

1. d4White

White plays d4, the most common way to start a closed game. By occupying the center immediately, White invites you to choose between several major defensive systems like the Nimzo-Indian, the Queen's Gambit Declined, or the hypermodern King's Indian.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move prevents White from playing e4 immediately and keeps your options open. You are preparing to see how White continues before committing your central pawns.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, increasing their grip on the center. You could steer into a Queen's Gambit with e6 or a Slav with c6, but the King's Indian approach remains one of the most dynamic ways to fight for the initiative.

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

2... g6Black · your move

Push your pawn to g6. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop on g7, where it will exert long-range pressure along the h8-a1 diagonal. This is the hallmark of the King's Indian and Grünfeld setups.

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, developing a piece and preparing e4. At this point, you must decide between the Grünfeld Defense with d5 or the King's Indian Defense by continuing your kingside development. White is also ready for the Fianchetto Variation if you delay the center.

Other paths here: d5 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Advance Variation) · f3 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Alekhine Variation) · h4 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Basman-Williams Attack) · g3 (King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Immediate Fianchetto)

3... Bg7Black · your move

Fianchetto your bishop to g7. This piece will be your most important defender and attacker, eyeing the center from a distance. It is now ready to support your kingside castling.

Other paths here: d5 (Grünfeld Defense) · c5 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c5) · c6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c6) · d6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 d6)

4. e4White

White plays e4, taking full control of the center. You must now react to this space advantage. While White could have played Nf3 or even g3, this move challenges you to find a way to break down the white wall.

Other paths here: Bf4 (King's Indian: 4.Bf4) · Bg5 (King's Indian: 4.Bg5) · g3 (King's Indian: 4.g3) · Nf3 (King's Indian: 4.Nf3)

4... d6Black · your move

Move your pawn to d6. This move is essential to stop White from pushing e5 and cramping your position. It also prepares to support a future counter-strike with e5 or c5.

Other paths here: O-O (King's Indian: 4.e4 O-O)

5. f3White

White plays f3, the signature of the Sämisch. This move bolsters the center but delays development. White plans to castle queenside and launch a pawn storm. You'll need to decide whether to strike back with c5 or the more traditional e5 break.

Other paths here: Bg5 (King's Indian Defense: Accelerated Averbakh Variation) · Nge2 (King's Indian Defense: Kramer Variation) · Bd3 (King's Indian: 4.e4 d6 5.Bd3) · h3 (King's Indian Defense: Makogonov Variation)

Where you stand

The position is sharp and double-edged. White will likely castle queenside and use the f3-g4-h4 pawn chain to attack. Black must generate counterplay quickly, usually by castling kingside and then striking at the center with c5 or e5 to open lines for the pieces.

• c1-e3 Develop the bishop to support the center
• d1-d2 Form a battery to eye the kingside
• e8-g8 Secure the king before the center opens
• c7-c5 Challenge the d4 pawn and open lines