ECO code: E81
King's Indian Defense: Saemisch Variation, 5...O-O 6.Bg5 Nc6
This line arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Bg5 Nc6. The Saemisch variation is characterized by White's early f3, which strengthens control over the center and prepares for a strong pawn center push. Here, Black castles quickly and then develops the knight to c6, putting immediate pressure on White's central pawns and increasing control over key squares.
Characteristic of the move 6...Nc6: This knight development is a flexible, active move that supports Black's central and queenside counterplay. It pressures the d4 and e5 squares and often prepares for ...e5 or ...a6 and ...Rb8 ideas, aiming to challenge White’s center and expand on the queenside.
Playing style: From White's perspective, the Saemisch is an attacking setup focused on building a strong center and preparing kingside advances. Black’s 6...Nc6 is part of a dynamic counterattack plan, thus Black plays actively and aggressively rather than passively.
Center control: Yes, this opening strongly targets the center. White establishes a broad pawn center with pawns on d4, e4, and f3, while Black contests it actively through piece pressure and timely pawn breaks.
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 King's Indian: Saemisch, 5...O-O 6.Bg5 Nc6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #23 white