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.
King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Normal Defense
This variation arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O. The defining feature of the Sämisch Variation is White's early f3, supporting the center and preparing for a strong pawn chain with e4 and d4. Black’s fifth move, O-O, is a standard developing move, completing kingside safety and maintaining flexibility.
Characteristics: The move 5...O-O is characteristic of Black’s intention to castle quickly and prepare for counterplay, typically involving ...e5 or ...c5 breaks later. White’s setup with f3 solidifies central control but slightly slows the development of the kingside pieces.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, this is an attacking formation aiming to dominate the center and prepare for a kingside offensive. Black plays a dynamic, often counterattacking role, looking to challenge White’s center and create counterplay on the flanks or in the center.
Center Control: White strongly contests the center with pawns on d4, e4, and f3, aiming to maintain and expand central space. Black aims to undermine and attack this center later with pawn breaks like ...e5 or ...c5.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Normal Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 12 - Move #8 white
You can also discover how top players used King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Normal Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.