Nimzo-Indian Saemisch: 5...d5 6.f3
Nimzo-Indian Defense, Sämisch Variation: 5…d5 6.f3
Definition
The line arises from the Nimzo-Indian Defense after the sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3 Bxc3+ 5.cxc3 d5 6.f3. White reinforces the e4–square with the pawn on f3, while Black immediately challenges the center with …d5. The position is classified by ECO code E25 and is one of the sharpest continuations of the Sämisch Variation.
Typical Move-Order
The critical path to reach the headline position is:
- 1.d4 Nf6
- 2.c4 e6
- 3.Nc3 Bb4 (initiating the Nimzo-Indian)
- 4.a3 Bxc3+ (the signature exchange)
- 5.cxc3 d5 (our featured branch)
- 6.f3 (the key Sämisch move)
Strategic Ideas
For White
- Establish a broad pawn center with e4 supported by f3 and c3.
- Aim for a kingside space advantage and possible pawn storm after g4–h4.
- Open the f-file (e.g., exd5 exd5, cxd5) for rook activity toward Black’s king.
- Exploit the two-bishop advantage gained after 4.a3 Bxc3+.
For Black
- Target the weakened dark squares (e.g., c4, e4) left by White’s pawn chain.
- Rapid piece development—…c5 or …b6 with …Ba6 to pressure c4/c3.
- Consider the Hübner maneuver …Nf6–d7–b6 to blockade the c4-square.
- Endgame ambitions: the pawn structure (isolated a- and c-pawns for White) can become long-term targets.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
• The Sämisch (named after German GM Friedrich Sämisch) was popularized in
the 1920s–30s as an aggressive antidote to the Nimzo.
• The 5…d5 line gained prominence in the late 1960s when Soviet analysts showed
that immediate central counterplay gives Black good chances to neutralize
White’s bishop pair.
• Modern engines confirm the line’s dynamic equality, making it a mainstay
in contemporary repertoires (e.g., Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri).
Model Games
-
Tal – Portisch, Candidates 1965 – A classic illustration of White’s kingside initiative. Tal sacrificed a pawn with 7.cxd5 exd5 8.e4! and soon launched a dangerous attack.
-
Kramnik – Anand, Wijk aan Zee 1998 – Anand employed the …c5 break and steered the game into a favorable endgame, highlighting Black’s strategic resources.
Common Plans & Tactics
- White often plays 7.cxd5 exd5 8.e4 dxe4 9.fxe4 Nxe4 10.Nf3, betting on open lines.
- Black may counter with the Hanging Pawns structure after …c5, accepting an isolated d-pawn for activity.
- Typical tactical themes include a bishop sacrifice on h7 (Bxh7+) when Black delays castling.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 6.f3 was initially ridiculed (“too many pawns on dark squares”), yet it became a favorite of attacking players like Tal and Kasparov.
- In correspondence chess, the line scores over 55 % for Black—evidence that precise defense can blunt White’s ambitions.
- Anish Giri used an offshoot (6…c5 7.cxd5 exd5 8.e3) as Black to defeat Magnus Carlsen in blitz (Chess.com Speed Chess 2020).
Summary
The 5…d5 6.f3 Sämisch is a double-edged system where White strives for a powerful pawn center and long-term attacking chances, while Black relies on immediate counter-pressure and structural targets. Its rich history and balanced evaluation make it an evergreen battleground for players who enjoy strategic complexity interlaced with tactical fireworks.