E84

King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Panno Main Line

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

Beliavsky, Alexander G vs Kasparov, Gary1/2-1/2
Linares • 1990★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Vachier Lagrave,M1/2-1/2
41st Olympiad Open 2014 • 2014
Giri,A vs Wang Hao0-1
45th Biel GM • 2012
Morozevich,A vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
World Blitz Final • 2012
So,W vs Nijboer,F1/2-1/2
73rd Tata Steel GMB • 2011
Anand,V vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
XXVI SuperGM • 2009
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Nunn, John DM0-1
Amber-rapid 3rd • 1994
Spassky, Boris V vs Fischer, Robert James0-1
St Stefan/Belgrade m • 1992
Portisch, Lajos vs Nunn, John DM1/2-1/2
Szirak Interzonal • 1987
Kasparov, Gary vs Spassky, Boris V0-1
Niksic • 1983
Timman, Jan H vs Kasparov, Gary1/2-1/2
Bugojno • 1982
Timman, Jan H vs Nunn, John DM1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1982
Petrosian, Tigran V vs Fischer, Robert James1/2-1/2
Candidats Tournament • 1962
Tang,Andrew vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
Titled Tue 9th Sep 2025 • 2025
Nguyen,Anh Khoi vs Gukesh,D1/2-1/2
Junior Speed Qual Asia • 2021
Nihal,Sarin vs Praggnanandhaa,R0-1
Chess.com Bullet Open 1 • 2020
Ivanchuk,V vs Djukic,Ni0-1
Titled Tuesday 19th May • 2020
Lorparizangeneh,S vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
Qatar Masters Open 2015 • 2015
So,W vs Matikozian,A1-0
US Chess League 2014 • 2014
Zhou Jianchao vs Ding Liren0-1
ch-CHN 2012 • 2012

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