Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Accelerated

Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Accelerated

Definition

The Accelerated Sämisch is a modern branch of the Nimzo-Indian Defense that arises after the moves:

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. a3 Bxc3+ 5. bxc3 c5
In traditional Sämisch lines Black first castles and only later strikes in the center with …c5. In the Accelerated version Black “accelerates” the …c5 break, hitting White’s central pawns before White has time to consolidate with e3, Nf3, or f3.

Typical Move Order

A frequently encountered continuation is:

The diagram after 10…Nc6 shows the defining tabiya: Black pressures d4 and prepares …e5 or …Na5, while White enjoys the bishop pair and a potential e4–e5 lunge.

Strategic Themes

• White
  • Holds the bishop pair at the cost of a weakened pawn structure (doubled c-pawns).
  • Seeks a central pawn roller with e3–e4–e5 and sometimes f2–f4.
  • Can exploit dark-square control, especially if Black allows Bd3 and Qc2 aiming at h7.
• Black
  • Targets the c- and d-pawns with rapid …c5, …Qc7, and …b6–…Ba6.
  • Often aims for piece play rather than structural gains; the light-squared bishop on b7 or a6 is a key piece.
  • In many lines Black sacrifices a pawn (…d5 or …e5 breaks) for long-term dark-square pressure and king-side counterplay.

Historical Context

The basic Sämisch (4. a3) is named after the German master Friedrich Sämisch, who popularized the idea of immediately questioning the pinning bishop. The Accelerated approach became fashionable in the 1950–60s when Soviet stars such as Mikhail Botvinnik and Efim Geller discovered that inserting …c5 before castling avoided many of White’s attacking setups. The line remains a favorite counterweapon for players who enjoy active piece play—Viktor Korchnoi, Garry Kasparov, and more recently Levon Aronian have all used it at elite level.

Key Plans and Ideas

1. Light-Square Siege (Black)
   …b6, …Ba6, …Na5, and …Rc8 harass the c4-pawn and neutralize White’s dark-squared bishop.
2. Pawn Roller (White)
   e3–e4–e5 followed by f4–f5 can produce a dangerous kingside initiative if Black is slow.
3. Endgame Prospects
   If the minor pieces are exchanged, Black’s structural targets (c4, c3, a3) may outweigh White’s bishop pair.

Illustrative Game

Botvinnik – Reshevsky, Candidates Zürich 1953
Classic demonstration of White’s central advance and bishop pair:

The game features the thematic pawn sacrifice d4-d5, clearing lines for the bishops and exposing Black’s king.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Kasparov used the Accelerated Sämisch as Black against Deep Blue (Game 1, 1997) because the computer handled typical castle-first Sämisch positions too well.
• The doubled c-pawns are not always a weakness; in some endings they control central squares and can even form a dangerous passer on the c-file.
• Because Black strikes before castling, sharp sacrifices with …cxd4 and …Ne4 can arise as early as move 8—memorization alone is insufficient; understanding the pawn breaks is critical.

Practical Tips

• White players should know both the solid 6. e3 and the ambitious 6. f3, which supports e4 but weakens dark squares.
• If you play Black, keep an eye on the e4-square; preventing e3–e4 with timely …d6 or …d5 often kills White’s main plan.
• Endgame transition: trading queens usually favors Black, trading minor pieces favors White—adjust your exchanges accordingly.