King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Double Fianchetto

Before the first move

The Sämisch Variation of the King's Indian is a powerhouse setup where White uses the f3-pawn to build a massive center and blunt Black's kingside counterplay. By adding a double fianchetto with b6, you aim to challenge White's central grip from both flanks, creating a complex strategic battle for control of the dark squares.

1. d4White

White plays d4, the classic entry into queen's pawn openings. By occupying the center, White prepares to develop the queenside pieces. You will have to choose between solid responses like d5 or more flexible, Indian-style setups starting with Nf6.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move prevents White from immediately playing e4 and keeps your options open. You are preparing to see how White commits their pawns before deciding on your own central structure.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, increasing their central influence and preparing to develop the knight to c3. This is the standard follow-up to d4. Other aggressive options like the Canard with f4 or the Tartakower Attack with g3 lead to very different types of games.

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, which is the hallmark of the King's Indian and Grünfeld defenses. This bishop will become a long-range monster on the long diagonal.

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, a standard developing move that eyes the d5 and e4 squares. White is getting ready to push e4 next. If White wanted to avoid the main lines, they could try the Anti-Grünfeld with f3 or the Fianchetto Variation with g3.

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. From this square, your bishop exerts pressure across the entire board, especially on the d4-pawn. This piece is your most important defender and attacker in the King's Indian structure.

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, seizing a massive share of the center. You must now decide how to challenge this wall of pawns. While White could have tried more restrained moves like Nf3 or g3, this direct approach is the most challenging for Black.

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 solidifies your control over e5 and prevents White from pushing their e-pawn further. It also opens a path for your light-squared bishop and prepares for your king to castle safely.

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

5. f3White

White plays f3, entering the Sämisch Variation. This move creates a very solid pawn chain but takes away the f3-square from the knight. Other ways for White to play include the Makogonov with h3 or the Averbakh with Bg5.

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)

5... O-OBlack · your move

Castle your king to safety on the kingside. Your king is now tucked away behind a wall of pawns and your strong bishop. This allows you to focus your attention on breaking down White's massive center.

Other paths here: a6 (King's Indian: Saemisch, 5...a6) · c5 (King's Indian: Saemisch, 5...c5) · c6 (King's Indian: Saemisch, 5...c6) · e5 (King's Indian: Saemisch, 5...e5)

6. Be3White

White plays Be3, reinforcing the center and preparing a battery with the queen. This is the most common follow-up, though White sometimes tries Nge2 first to keep the bishop's path clear or the Steiner Attack with Bg5.

Other paths here: Nge2 (King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Bobotsov-Korchnoi-Petrosian Variation) · Bg5 (King's Indian Defense: Steiner Attack)

6... b6Black · your move

Push your pawn to b6. This move prepares a second fianchetto for your light-squared bishop on b7. By developing this way, you intend to pressure the e4-pawn and challenge White's central dominance from a different angle.

Other paths here: c5 (King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Sämisch Gambit) · a6 (King's Indian: Saemisch, 5...O-O 6.Be3 a6) · c6 (King's Indian: Saemisch, 5...O-O 6.Be3 c6) · Nbd7 (King's Indian: Saemisch, 5...O-O 6.Be3 Nbd7)

Where you stand

The position is a tense strategic battle. White will likely play Qd2 and try to trade bishops on h6 before launching a pawn storm. Black aims to use the b7-bishop to pressure e4 and eventually strike with c5 or f5. Both sides must balance their central control with the looming threats on the opposite wings.

• c8-b7 Fianchetto the bishop to pressure e4
• d1-d2 Form a battery with the bishop
• c7-c5 Challenge the center with a pawn break
• g1-e2 Develop the knight to support the center