King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Closed Variation

Before the first move

The Sämisch Variation is one of White's most aggressive responses to the King's Indian Defense. By reinforcing the center with f3, White prepares a massive pawn storm on the kingside while keeping the center stable. Black aims to counter by striking the center and launching a queenside offensive or a well-timed pawn break.

1. d4White

White starts with d4, the most common way to enter strategic, closed games. By occupying the center, White invites Black to choose their defensive setup. While many players respond with d5 to enter the Queen's Gambit, the more flexible Nf6 is just as popular.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move controls the e4 and d5 squares, preventing White from immediately playing e4. It keeps your options open, allowing you to choose between several different defensive systems later.

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 the classic Queen's Gambit structure. While White could try the London System with Bf4 or the Trompowsky with Bg5, the c4 push is the most ambitious way to fight for a space advantage.

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

Advance your pawn to g6. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop to g7, where it will exert long-range pressure across the board's longest diagonal. This is a hallmark of the King's Indian and Grünfeld structures.

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 prepare the e4 push. White could also choose g3 for a Fianchetto Variation or f3 for an early Anti-Grünfeld, but Nc3 is the main road toward the most critical lines of the King's Indian.

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, providing a rock-solid defense for your king and eyeing the d4 and c3 squares from a distance. It is your most important minor piece.

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, completing the ideal pawn center. You'll often see White try Nf3 or g3 here to be more cautious, but e4 is the most principled challenge, daring you to find a way to break down this impressive wall of pawns.

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 harassing your knight. It also prepares to support your own central strikes, like e5 or c5, later in the game.

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

5. f3White

White enters the Sämisch Variation with f3. This is a very sharp choice compared to the classical Nf3 or the Makogonov h3. By overprotecting e4, White signals an intent to attack your king with g4 and h4 in the near future.

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 and activate your rook. In the Sämisch, the king is usually safe on the kingside for now, even though White plans to launch pawns toward it later.

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 play Nge2 to keep the f-pawn's path clear, but Be3 is more flexible, keeping an eye on the queenside while maintaining a strong central presence.

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

6... e5Black · your move

Strike at the center with e5. This move challenges White's space and forces a decision. Even though it momentarily blocks your bishop, it is the most classic way to fight for counterplay in the King's Indian.

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)

7. d5White

White plays d5, entering the Closed Variation. White could have traded on e5, but d5 is the most ambitious, creating a permanent space advantage. The center is now locked, and both sides must look to the flanks for their next moves.

Other paths here: dxe5 (King's Indian: Saemisch, Orthodox, 7.dxe5) · Nge2 (King's Indian: Saemisch, Orthodox, 7.Nge2)

Where you stand

The center is now completely locked, which dictates the plans for both sides. White will likely castle queenside and launch a pawn storm with g4 and h4. Black must respond with f5 to gain kingside space or expand on the queenside with c6 and a6. Precision is key, as one slow move can let the opponent's attack crash through first.

• f6-h5 Relocate knight to prepare the f5 break
• g2-g4 Begin the kingside pawn storm
• c8-d7 Develop the bishop to support queenside play
• d1-d2 Prepare for queenside castling and battery
• f7-f5 Strike at the center and gain space