Sämisch Variation - Chess Opening

Saemisch Variation

Definition

The term “Sämisch Variation” (often written “Saemisch” when the umlaut is unavailable) denotes a family of sharp systems introduced or popularised by German grandmaster and opening theoretician Friedrich Sämisch (1896-1975). In each opening that bears his name, White adopts an ambitious, space-gaining set-up, frequently involving an early f3 (against …Bg7) or an early a3 (against …Bb4).

Openings that Contain a Sämisch System

• Nimzo-Indian Defence – 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3
• King’s Indian Defence – 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3
• Caro-Kann Defence – 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Ng5
• Less commonly: the Benoni, Benko, and even some Slav lines have “Sämisch-like” ideas.

Strategic Hallmarks

Although concrete move orders differ, Sämisch systems share several strategic themes:

1. Space grabbing – White erects a broad pawn centre (e4-d4-c4 or f3-e4-d4).
2. Restricting the opponent’s minor pieces, especially the opponent’s dark-squared bishop.
3. Kingside ambitions – f3 often supports g4, h4, and a direct assault on Black’s king.
4. Structural commitments – In exchange for space, White weakens dark squares (e3, g3), giving Black counter-chances with …c5, …e5, or …f5 breaks.

Key Lines & Example Moves

Nimzo-Indian, Sämisch: 4.a3

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3 Bxc3+ 5.bxc3 c5

White forces the exchange of the pinning bishop at the cost of doubling the c-pawns. The half-open b-file and bishop pair provide long-term assets, whereas Black plays against the pawn weaknesses with rapid pressure on c4 and the central dark squares.

King’s Indian, Sämisch: 5.f3

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3

The move 5.f3 bolsters e4, prevents …Ng4, and signals a potential pawn storm with g4-h4. Black typically counters with the Benoni-style …c5, the classic …e5 thrust, or the modern Panno setup (…Nc6, …a6, …Rb8, …b5).

Caro-Kann, Sämisch: 5.Ng5

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Ng5

By leaping to g5, White targets f7 and threatens to recapture on e4 with tempo. The line is less popular than its King’s Indian and Nimzo cousins but is true to Sämisch’s combative spirit.

Historical & Theoretical Significance

Friedrich Sämisch was both a noted theoretician and a daring practitioner. Many of his contributions appeared in the pre-war period when hypermodern defences flourished. The Sämisch variations became major testing grounds:

• Nimzo-Indian 4.a3 challenged the “pawn structure dogma” that doubled c-pawns are always inferior, inspiring later champions such as Mikhail Botvinnik and Bobby Fischer to adopt the line.
• King’s Indian 5.f3 sparked an enormous body of theory in the 1950–60s. The epic duel Gligorić vs. Najdorf (Curacao Candidates, 1962) influenced generations of KID players.

Memorable Games

• Kasparov – Karpov, Linares 1993 (King’s Indian Sämisch, Kasparov uncorked the spectacular exchange sacrifice 17.Rxd4! and won a model attack).
• Sämisch – Nimzowitsch, Copenhagen 1923 – The inventor outplayed the hypermodern pioneer with his own 4.a3 line.
• Tal – Portisch, Bled 1961 – Illustrates the razor-sharp “Flick-Knife Attack” (King’s Indian Sämisch with 6.Be3 c5 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5 Ne5 9.Ng3!).

Typical Plans & Counter-Plans

• White
  • Pawn storm on the kingside: g4–h4–h5.
  • Open the b-file (Nimzo) for rook infiltration.
  • Central break with e4-e5 (KID) or c4-c5 (Nimzo).
• Black
  • Undermine with …c5, …e5, or …f5, depending on the structure.
  • Pressure the dark-square complex (d4, e5, g5).
  • Accept doubled c-pawns but play against them (Nimzo).

Interesting Facts

• The original umlaut “ä” in “Sämisch” is often dropped in English publications, leading to the dual spellings.
• Friedrich Sämisch once defeated Capablanca in a simultaneous display, bolstering his reputation as an opening innovator.
• Because several major defences have a “Sämisch”, grandmasters sometimes clarify by saying “KID Sämisch” or “Nimzo Sämisch.”
• In modern engines, the Sämisch lines remain among the most double-edged choices for both colours, often showing 0.00 evaluations that swing wildly after the first inaccuracy.

Summary

The Sämisch Variation, regardless of opening, epitomises dynamic chess: early strategic commitments, rich tactical possibilities, and a fight for the initiative from move one. Players who relish unbalanced positions and direct attacks on the enemy king will find the Sämisch a perennial source of creative opportunities.