ECO code: E15
Queen's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation
This opening arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 c5. It is a flexible and solid choice for Black, aiming to control the long diagonal with the fianchettoed bishop on b7. The move ...c5 challenges White's center directly, putting pressure on the d4 pawn and contesting central space.
Characteristic of the move ...c5: This pawn break is a thematic strike in many Queen's Indian setups, seeking counterplay by undermining White's central control and opening lines for Black's pieces.
From Black's perspective, this opening is primarily counterattacking, as Black waits to challenge White's center rather than occupying it immediately. White, on the other hand, usually adopts a positional and central control approach, aiming to maintain and support the d4 pawn and leverage the fianchettoed bishop on g2.
Overall, this opening involves a battle for the center. While White holds central space initially, Black actively contests it with ...c5, leading to dynamic and strategic play focused on central tension and piece activity.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #56 white