Nimzo-Indian: Saemisch, 5...d5

Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch, 5…d5

Definition

The move-sequence most often reached by the transposition 1. d4 Nf6  2. c4 e6  3. Nc3 Bb4  4. a3 Bxc3+ 5. bxc3 d5 defines the Sämisch Variation with the specific branch 5…d5. It is a line of the Nimzo-Indian Defence in which:

• White obtains the bishop pair but accepts structural weaknesses—doubled c-pawns and an exposed king diagonal.
• Black immediately challenges the centre with …d5 instead of alternatives such as …c5 or …0-0.

Typical Move-Order

The critical starting position arises after:

From here, the main continuations are:

• 6. cxd5 exd5 7. e3 leading to an Isolated Queen’s Pawn (IQP) structure for White.
• 6. e3 c5 7. cxd5 exd5 8. Bd3 0-0 heading for hanging-pawn structures.
• 6. Nf3 dxc4, when Black grabs a pawn and hopes to hold it after …c5.

Strategic Themes

• White strives to mobilise the bishop pair, generate a kingside attack, or leverage a central pawn majority (d- and e-pawns) after exchanges.
• Black targets the c4- and c3-pawns, blockades the dark-squared bishop, and seeks piece play on the light squares (e4, c4) created by White’s structure.
• The tension around the isolated d-pawn often decides the middlegame: if it advances to d5 at the right moment, White seizes the initiative; if it becomes weak, Black can grind it down in an endgame.

Historical Background

The Sämisch Variation is named after German grandmaster Friedrich Sämisch, a hyper-modern pioneer who popularised 4. a3 in the 1920s to force the exchange on c3 and claim the bishop pair. The immediate counter 5…d5 was favoured by World Champions such as Max Euwe and Mikhail Botvinnik, who trusted classical central control over Black’s traditional dark-square strategy.

Illustrative Games

1. Botvinnik – Flohr, Moscow 1935: Botvinnik demonstrates how to use the bishops and a timely e4-e5 break to overwhelm Black’s centre.
2. Karpov – Gheorghiu, Leningrad 1970: Karpov shows Black’s defensive resources, steering the game into a favourable endgame where the d-pawn becomes a target.
3. Kramnik – Anand, Dortmund 1998: Modern treatment with 6. Nf3 dxc4 7. e3 b5, illustrating dynamic pawn grabs and counterplay on the queenside.

Usage in Modern Practice

While engines sometimes prefer sharper alternatives like 5…c5, the 5…d5 line remains a solid repertoire choice for players who enjoy:

• Classical French-like pawn structures with a locked centre.
• Strategic manoeuvring rather than immediate tactical melees.
• The possibility of transposing into Queen’s Gambit Declined-type positions they already know.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• When Alexander Alekhine was asked why he seldom met 4. a3 with …Bxc3+, he reputedly quipped, “Why improve White’s pawn structure?”—a remark illustrating generational shifts in opening philosophy.
• Grandmaster Viktor Korchnoi wielded both sides of the Sämisch with success for over half a century, giving the line practical credibility at every elite stage of his career.
• The variation occasionally crops up from an English Opening move-order (1. c4 e6 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. d4 Bb4 4. a3), underscoring its flexible transpositional nature.

Summary

The Nimzo-Indian: Sämisch, 5…d5 is a time-tested battleground where White’s long-term bishop advantage clashes with Black’s iron-clad centre and piece activity. Its rich history, balanced risk profile, and instructive pawn structures make it a staple in both classical literature and contemporary databases.