E80

King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation

Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3

The Sämisch Variation features the aggressive f3, supporting the centre and preparing for a kingside pawn storm or positional play. It's one of the most critical tests of the King's Indian.

History & Notable Players

Named after Fritz Sämisch. It's been a favoured weapon against the KID at the highest levels.

Best Games

Jussupow, Artur vs Spassky, Boris V1/2-1/2
Linares • 1983★ Notable
Larsen, Bent vs Lombardy, William James1-0
WchT U26 • 1957★ Notable
Duda,J vs Rapport,R1-0
Aimchess Rapid Prelim • 2022
Ivanchuk,V vs Kamsky,G1-0
Kamsky-Ivanchuk Blitz m • 2020
Spassky, Boris V vs Fischer, Robert James1/2-1/2
St Stefan/Belgrade m • 1992
Miles, Anthony J vs Spassky, Boris V1/2-1/2
Linares • 1985
Portisch, Lajos vs Torre, Eugenio0-1
Rio de Janeiro Interzonal • 1979
Larsen, Bent vs Byrne, Robert E0-1
Leningrad Interzonal • 1973
Bronstein, David I vs Evans, Larry Melvyn1-0
Amsterdam Interzonal • 1964
Petrosian, Tigran V vs Najdorf, Miguel1-0
Bled • 1961
Bronstein, David I vs Benko, Pal C1/2-1/2
Portoroz Interzonal • 1958
Spassky, Boris V vs Bronstein, David I1-0
Candidats Tournament • 1956
Spassky, Boris V vs Tal, Mihail1-0
URS-ch23 • 1956
Aronian,L vs Napoli,N1-0
Titled Tue 4th Feb Early • 2025
Goryachkina,A vs Radjabov,T1-0
Crocus City Stars Blitz • 2023
So,W vs Makarian,Rudik1-0
Titled Tue 5th Jul Late • 2022
Iniyan,P vs Kamsky,G0-1
Chess.com RCC Wk15 Swiss • 2022
Tang,Andrew vs Kamsky,G1-0
Titled Tuesday 21st Sept • 2021
Tang,Keran vs Kamsky,G1-0
Gran Canaria Online Blitz • 2021
Florescu,C vs Kamsky,G1/2-1/2
Titled Tuesday 2nd Feb • 2021

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