E86

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

Kramnik, Vladimir vs Kasparov, Gary1/2-1/2
Linares • 1993★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Kasparov, Gary0-1
Linares • 1993★ Notable
Beliavsky, Alexander G vs Kasparov, Gary1/2-1/2
Linares • 1993★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Timman, Jan H0-1
Linares • 1992★ Notable
Shirov, Alexei vs Kasparov, Gary0-1
Dortmund • 1992★ Notable
Beliavsky, Alexander G vs Timman, Jan H1-0
Linares • 1991★ Notable
Szukszta, Janusz vs Tal, Mihail0-1
WchT U26 • 1956★ Notable
Shirov, Alexei vs Kamsky, Gata1/2-1/2
Buenos Aires Najdorf • 1993
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Topalov, Veselin1/2-1/2
Madrid • 1993
Kramnik, Vladimir vs Dolmatov, Sergey1/2-1/2
Dortmund • 1993
Portisch, Lajos vs Gligoric, Svetozar1/2-1/2
Sousse Interzonal • 1967
Portisch, Lajos vs Bouaziz, Slim1-0
Sousse Interzonal • 1967
Fuster, Geza vs Fischer, Robert James0-1
Portoroz Interzonal • 1958
Bronstein, David I vs Gligoric, Svetozar1/2-1/2
Portoroz Interzonal • 1958
Sliwa, Bogdan vs Najdorf, Miguel1-0
Gothenburg Interzonal • 1955
Xiu Deshun vs Ding Liren0-1
zt 3.5 Men • 2009
Riazantsev,A vs Kasimdzhanov,R1/2-1/2
XIII TCh-RUS • 2006
Warren,James vs Nakamura,H0-1
US Open • 2001
Wang Chaoran vs Ding Liren1-0
TCh-CHN Men • 2001
Panno, Oscar vs Larsen, Bent1/2-1/2
Buenos Aires Najdorf • 1993

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