Alekhine Defense: Sämisch Attack
Alekhine Defense: Sämisch Attack
Definition
The Sämisch Attack is an aggressive variation of the Alekhine Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4. Named after the German master Friedrich Sämisch, it combines rapid space gain in the center with an early kingside pawn storm, aiming to cramp Black’s knight on b6 and seize the initiative.
Typical Move-Order
The main line usually continues:
- e4 Nf6
- e5 Nd5
- d4 d6
- c4 Nb6
- f4 dxe5
- fxe5 Nc6
From this point White can choose between solid development with Nc3 and Nf3 or immediate aggression with 7. Be3 and 8. Nc3, followed by queenside castling.
Strategic Ideas
- Central Space: By advancing the e-, d-, and f-pawns, White stakes out a broad pawn center that restricts Black’s pieces.
- Kingside Pressure: The pawn chain e5–f4 points toward Black’s kingside. Typical plans include h2-h4-h5 and f4-f5 to rip open files against the fianchettoed bishop after …g6.
- Piece Activity: Knights often reach f3 and c3, bishops go to e3 and d3, and the queen can swing to h5 or g4. White’s pieces coordinate naturally behind the pawn phalanx.
- Black’s Counterplay: Black attacks the white center with …c5, …dxe5, and later …f6. The knight on b6 may re-route to d7–f8–e6 or to a4–c5, aiming at the d3 and e4 squares.
Historical Significance
The variation debuted in master play when Friedrich Sämisch used it against Alexander Alekhine in Carlsbad 1923, scoring a convincing win. Although Alekhine later refined Black’s resources, Sämisch’s idea remained a critical test and enriched opening theory by demonstrating how a side-space strategy could challenge the hyper-modern Alekhine Defense.
Illustrative Game
Sämisch – Alekhine, Carlsbad 1923
[[Pgn| e4|Nf6|e5|Nd5|d4|d6|c4|Nb6|f4|dxe5| fxe5|Nc6|Be3|Bf5|Nc3|e6|Nf3|Be7|Be2|O-O| O-O|f6|exf6|Bxf6|Qd2|Qe7|Rad1|Rad8| d5|exd5|cxd5|Nb4|Nd4|Bxd4|Bxd4|N4+|Kh1|N8xd5| | fen| ]]Sämisch’s energetic pawn storm and piece activity overwhelmed Alekhine, culminating in a lethal kingside attack.
Modern Practice
Today the Sämisch Attack is less common than the Four Pawns Attack (5. c4 instead of 5. f4), yet it remains a surprise weapon. Grandmasters such as Leinier Domínguez and Vladimir Fedoseev have revived the line in rapid and blitz events with notable success.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Despite the opening bearing his opponent’s name, Alekhine himself experimented with the white side in simultaneous exhibitions, praising its “revolutionary spirit.”
- In the 1960s the Soviet correspondence champion Lev Kirillov analysed the pawn sacrifice 6. d5!? c6 7. Nc3, sparking a flurry of postal games that refined Black’s defensive setup.
- The ECO codes B04-B05 cover the Sämisch Attack, while engines such as Stockfish 16 now evaluate the main line as roughly equal, underscoring how deeply modern theory has penetrated the position.
Summary
The Alekhine Defense: Sämisch Attack is a historically rich, strategically double-edged system in which White grabs space and launches a direct kingside offensive. Though theory indicates balanced chances, the line remains an excellent choice for players who relish sharp, dynamic play and are willing to navigate complex pawn structures.