ECO code: E87
King's Indian Defense: Saemisch, Orthodox Variation, 7.d5 c5
This line arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 e5 7. d5 c5. Here, White adopts the Saemisch setup with an early f3, aiming to build a strong center and restrict Black's typical kingside counterplay.
Characteristic of the move 7...c5: Black challenges White's advanced d5-pawn immediately, fighting for control over the critical d4 and d5 squares. This pawn thrust is typical in the Orthodox variation of the King's Indian where Black seeks counterplay on the queenside and in the center.
Strategic ideas: White's 7.d5 gains space in the center and cramps Black's position, which is primarily an attacking approach to restrict Black's piece activity. Black's 7...c5 is a counter-attacking move aimed at undermining White's center and opening lines for counterplay on the queenside.
Center control: White focuses on establishing a strong pawn wedge in the center with pawns on d5 and e4, exerting spatial control. Black challenges this center dynamically with ...c5 and plans to later strike with ...b5 or ...f5 to undermine White's central dominance.
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, Orthodox, 7.d5 c5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #26 black