E83

King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Yates Defense

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

So,W vs Rapport,R1-0
10th Sinquefield Cup • 2023★ Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Gheorghiu, Florin1-0
WchT U26 • 1962★ Notable
Duda,J vs Caruana,F1-0
chess.com Speed 2020 • 2020
Topalov,V vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
Champions Showdown Blitz • 2016
Kamsky, Gata vs Hjartarson, Johann1-0
Biel Interzonal • 1993
Spassky, Boris V vs Fischer, Robert James1/2-1/2
St Stefan/Belgrade m • 1992
Spassky, Boris V vs Fischer, Robert James1-0
St Stefan/Belgrade m • 1992
Spassky, Boris V vs Fischer, Robert James0-1
St Stefan/Belgrade m • 1992
Timman, Jan H vs Kasparov, Gary1/2-1/2
Moscow • 1981
Beliavsky, Alexander G vs Kasparov, Gary0-1
Moscow • 1981
Ehlvest,J vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
Titled Tue 28th Jan Late • 2025
So,W vs Movahed,Sina1-0
Titled Tue 23rd Jan Early • 2024
Duda,J vs Korobov,A1-0
GCT Rapid Croatia 2021 • 2021
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Demchenko,A1-0
Titled Tuesday 22nd June • 2021
Duda,J vs Guseinov,G1-0
World Rapid 2019 • 2019
Duda,J vs Demchenko,A0-1
17th ch-EUR Indiv 2016 • 2016
Mosadeghpour,Masoud vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
ch-IRI Semi-Final 2015 • 2015
Le Quang Liem vs Nguyen Duc Hoa1-0
Asian Rapid 2015 • 2015
Portisch,L vs Nilsen,Jo0-1
Politiken Cup 2012 • 2012
Korchnoi,V vs Wiersma,E1-0
27th ECC • 2011

Explore More

All OpeningsAll Players