King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Yates Defense

Before the first move

The King's Indian Defense is a hypermodern battle where Black allows White to build a massive center, only to strike back later. In the Sämisch Variation, White uses the f3-pawn to solidify the center and prepare a kingside attack. The Yates Defense with 6...Nc6 is a flexible, modern way for Black to pressure the d4-pawn immediately.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, the most common way to enter closed or semi-closed systems. By occupying the center, White prepares to develop the queenside pieces. You'll often see 1. e4 as a more open alternative, but d4 leads to deep strategic maneuvering.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is the most flexible response to d4, controlling the e4 and d5 squares while keeping your options open for various defensive setups like the King's Indian or Nimzo-Indian.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, doubling down on central control. This is the main line of the Indian systems. White could also try the London System with Bf4 or the Tartakower Attack with g3, but c4 is the most ambitious and challenging approach.

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 defining characteristic of the King's Indian Defense. This bishop will become a long-range powerhouse 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, the most natural developing move. White could also try the Fianchetto Variation with g3 or the aggressive Basman-Williams Attack with h4, but the knight development is the most direct way to build a classical 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 is the soul of your position, exerting pressure all the way down the h8-a1 diagonal and providing a safe home for your king after you castle.

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, establishing a classical pawn center. This is the main challenge of the King's Indian. White could play more modestly with Nf3 or g3, but e4 is the most direct attempt to crush Black's cramped position.

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 essential move stops White from pushing e5 to kick your knight and prepares your own central counter-strikes, while also opening a path for your light-squared bishop.

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

5. f3White

White chooses the Sämisch with f3. This is a very solid but aggressive setup. White could instead play the Makogonov with h3 or the Averbakh with Bg5, but f3 creates a rock-solid wall that is difficult for Black to crack.

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 kingside to bring your king to safety. Your king is now well-protected behind the fianchettoed bishop, and your rook is ready to come to the center to support your upcoming counter-play.

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, a standard developing move in the Sämisch. White could also develop the other knight with Nge2, but the bishop move is more flexible, preparing to coordinate the queen and bishop for a battery on the dark squares.

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

6... Nc6Black · your move

Move your knight to c6. This is the Yates Defense, putting immediate pressure on d4 and forcing White to make a decision about the center. You are ready to follow up with a6 and Rb8 to start queenside action.

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 usually plays Nge2 and Qd2, often preparing to castle queenside and launch a pawn storm on the kingside. Black will look to expand on the queenside with a6 and b5, or strike at the center with e5. Both sides must be careful, as the game often becomes a race to see whose attack lands first.

• g1-e2 Develop the knight to support the center
• d1-d2 Form a queen and bishop battery
• a7-a6 Prepare queenside expansion with b5
• a8-b8 Support the b-pawn advance
• e1-c1 Castle queenside to launch kingside attack