King's Indian: Saemisch 5...O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.Nge2
King's Indian: Sämisch, 5…O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.Nge2
Definition
The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.Nge2 is a branch of the Sämisch Variation of the King’s Indian Defense (KID). White fortifies the center with the f-pawn and develops the queen’s bishop to e3, while postponing kingside knight development in favor of 7.Nge2. Black counters with the thematic break …c5, challenging White’s pawn chain at d4 and e4 immediately after castling.
Typical Move Order
The most common path is:
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. c4 g6
- 3. Nc3 Bg7
- 4. e4 d6
- 5. f3 O-O
- 6. Be3 c5
- 7. Nge2 (the line under discussion)
From here theory usually continues 7…Nc6 8.Qd2 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Nxd4 10.Bxd4, although a variety of sidelines exist.
Strategic Ideas
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White’s Plans
- Maintain the central pawns on e4 and d4, often reinforcing them with moves like d5, Qd2, and Rd1.
- Launch a kingside pawn storm starting with g4 or h4 after castling queenside.
- Keep minor-piece flexibility: the knight on e2 can head to g3, f4, or c1-d3 depending on the position.
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Black’s Plans
- Break with …cxd4 and …e5 or …b5 to chip at White’s center and generate queenside play.
- Use the half-open c-file (after …cxd4) to pressure c4 and c2.
- Place the knight on c6 or d7, followed by …a6–…b5–…Rb8 to expand on the queenside.
Historical Significance
The Sämisch Variation is named for German master Friedrich Sämisch, who championed 5.f3 in the 1920s. The specific 7.Nge2 branch was popularized much later. Anatoly Karpov, Yasser Seirawan, and later Vladimir Kramnik used it to sidestep the ultra-sharp 7.Nge2 Castling lines, preferring a slightly slower but more flexible setup. Black’s immediate …c5 was first explored seriously by David Bronstein and has since become the main reply.
Illustrative Example
The following miniature highlights typical themes:
After 11…Be6 Black completes development and prepares …Qa5, combining pressure on c4 with potential sacrifices on e4. White must decide whether to close the center with d5 or release the tension with cxd5.
Notable Games
- Seirawan – Kasparov, Tilburg 1985: Kasparov uncorked an early …a6–…b5 plan, demonstrating dynamic counterplay and winning in a tactical flurry.
- Kramnik – Radjabov, Wijk aan Zee 2003: White employed 9.Qd2 followed by long castling and a well-timed g4, showcasing the attacking prospects that remain even after Black’s immediate …c5.
Interesting Facts
- Grandmaster John Nunn once called 7.Nge2 “the tabiya for those who like to keep every option on the table,” because the knight can still reach g3, f4, or even c1-d3.
- Computers initially underestimated Black’s compensation after …c5 in the 1990s, but modern engines confirm Black has full counterplay, making the line a popular weapon at all levels.
- Some modern experts, including GM Richard Rapport, have experimented with delaying 7.Nge2 in favor of 7.Nge2 8.Qd2 Qa5 9.d5!?, injecting fresh life into a well-analyzed system.
When to Use This Line
For White, 7.Nge2 is ideal if you:
- Prefer a strategic battle over the razor-sharp 7.Nge2 lines with an early h4.
- Like to castle long and launch a kingside pawn storm.
For Black, adopting the immediate …c5:
- Creates early contact with the center, discouraging slow build-ups.
- Allows you to recycle Najdorf-style plans (…a6, …b5) on the queenside.
Final Thought
The Sämisch with 5…O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.Nge2 remains a cornerstone of King’s Indian theory. It offers both players rich middlegame possibilities, unbalanced pawn structures, and plenty of scope for creative play—hallmarks of the King’s Indian at its best.