Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch 5...b6 6.f3
Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch, 5…b6 6.f3
Definition
The line arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3 Bxc3+ 5.bxc3 b6 6.f3. It is a branch of the Sämisch Variation in the Nimzo-Indian Defence (ECO E29). White has voluntarily accepted doubled c-pawns in exchange for the bishop pair and intends to build a massive pawn center with f3 and e4. Black’s immediate 5…b6 prepares …Bb7, …Ba6 or …c5, targeting the dark squares and the vulnerable c-pawns.
Typical Ideas & Usage
- White’s Plan
- Reinforce the center with f2–f3 and e2–e4, then advance d4–d5 or c4–c5.
- Exploit the bishop pair; the light-squared bishop often heads to d3 or e2, while the dark-squared bishop comes to g5 or h4.
- Use the semi-open a-file (after a3) and sometimes the b-file (after cxb4) for rook activity.
- Black’s Plan
- Fianchetto the queen’s bishop (…Bb7) or post it aggressively on a6 to trade White’s key light-squared bishop.
- Pressure the c-pawn chain with …c5, …Ba6, and pieces to a5, d6 or b4.
- Counter-attack in the center before White consolidates: typical breaks are …d5 or …e5.
- Pawn Structure
- White: c4–c3 doubled pawns, center pawns on d4–e4–f3 (potentially d5–e5-f4 later).
- Black: flexible structure; often hanging pawns on c5–d5 can arise after exchanges.
Strategic & Historical Significance
The Sämisch was popularized by German GM Friedrich Sämisch in the 1920s as a forceful antidote to Nimzowitsch’s hyper-modern ideas. The 5…b6 6.f3 move order became fashionable in the 1980s when Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov both employed it in their World Championship battles, each taking opposite sides. It remains a principled fight between classical central occupation (White) and dynamic piece pressure on dark squares (Black).
Illustrative Mini-Game
A sample continuation displaying typical themes:
Highlights:
- 6…Ba6 © looks to exchange the critical light-squared bishop.
- White’s 8.e4 stakes out the center; Black’s 8…Nc6–a5 eyes c4 and b3.
- The position is double-edged: if Black wins the bishop pair or the c-pawns, he gains long-term targets; if White stabilizes, the pawn phalanx can roll forward.
Notable Games
- Karpov – Kasparov, World Championship (16), Moscow 1985
Karpov used the line with White; Kasparov neutralised the center with …Ba6 and drew a tense endgame. - Anand – Shirov, Linares 1998
Demonstrates a powerful central breakthrough by White after timely f3–f4 and e4–e5. - Gelfand – Carlsen, Tal Memorial 2011
Black steered the game into a hanging-pawns structure and outplayed White in the endgame.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The ECO code E29 specifically labels positions after 5…b6 6.f3.
- Because both sides often castle opposite wings (White long, Black short), spectacular king-side attacks and pawn storms are not uncommon.
- In several correspondence games, Black has tried the rare pawn sacrifice 6…c5!? 7.e4 cxd4 8.cxd4 d5 to accelerate development—an idea first mentioned by Nimzowitsch himself in My System.
- The doubled c-pawns might look ugly, but the extra pawn on c4 controls the important d5 square, giving White real spatial leverage.
When to Choose This Line
Select the Sämisch 5…b6 6.f3 if you:
- Enjoy sharp strategic battles where long-term imbalances (bishop pair vs. structure) are paramount.
- Are comfortable playing with—or against—doubled pawns.
- Have studied typical …Ba6 ideas and know how to meet them.
Avoid it if you prefer quiet, symmetrical setups or feel uneasy defending slightly weakened dark squares (White) or playing against a space-advantage center (Black).