King's Indian Saemisch: 5...O-O 6.Be3 7.Nge2 8.d5

King’s Indian Defense: Saemisch, 5…O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5

Definition

The diagram position is reached after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5. White bolsters the centre with the e-pawn protected by f3 and drives the knight from f6 by advancing d5, while Black counters immediately with …c5 and rapid piece development aimed at undermining the dark squares.

Standard Move Order

1. 1. d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6
2. 5. f3 – the characteristic Saemisch set-up guarding e4.
3. 5…O-O – Black castles into apparent danger but keeps flexibility.
4. 6. Be3 – reinforces d4 and prepares Qd2, O-O-O, or g4.
5. 6…c5 – strikes at White’s centre immediately.
6. 7. Nge2 – supports c3 and d4, keeps both castling options.
7. 7…Nc6 – increases pressure on d4 and prepares breaks.
8. 8. d5 – gains space and blocks the centre, signalling opposite-wing play.

Strategic Themes

• Blocked Centre: With pawns fixed on d5 and d6, both sides normally attack on the wings—White on the kingside, Black on the queenside.
• Dark-Square Control: Black’s bishop on g7 and knight manoeuvres toward e5/c4 target White’s dark squares, while White tries to blunt the bishop with d5 and piece exchanges.
• Pawn Storms: Typical pawn thrusts are g2-g4-h4-h5 for White and …a6-…b5-…c4 or …e6 for Black. Correct timing decides the race.
• King Safety: White often castles long; Black leaves his king on g8 and seeks counterplay on the half-open files that emerge after …f5 or …b5.

Historical Significance

The Saemisch was introduced in the 1920s by Fritz Sämisch and sharpened by Efim Geller and Svetozar Gligorić in the 1950s–60s. Garry Kasparov later proved that Black could meet the system dynamically, famously using the line in his World Championship matches against Anatoly Karpov. Today the variation stays topical at every level, from club play to elite events.

Model Game

Efim Geller – Svetozar Gligorić, Stockholm Interzonal 1962

Typical Plans

• White
  • Castle long and launch g- and h-pawns toward Black’s king.
  • Maintain the strong d5 outpost; use pieces on e2-g3-f5 squares.
  • Occasionally break with e4-e5 if it opens lines favourably.
• Black
  • Generate queenside play with …a6, …b5, …c4 and control the c-file.
  • Timely …e6 undermines d5; …f5 opens the f-file and dark squares.
  • Look for sacrifices on c3 or g4 when White’s king is still in the centre.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Karpov scored several model wins with White in the 1970s, leading some analysts to question Black’s setup until Kasparov revitalised it.
• Database statistics show a highly dynamic balance: roughly 50 % of games are decisive for one side or the other, and draws are below the usual grand-master average.
• Engines often fluctuate wildly in evaluation because both sides can sacrifice material for long-term attacks; practical skill frequently outweighs objective assessment.

Related Systems

• King's Indian Defense (main article)
• Saemisch with 6…Nc6 but without …c5 (the Panno System)
• Saemisch line 6…c5 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.dxc5 – alternative pawn structure for White