Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • iChess
    • ChessTeacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman`s Chess Lab
    • Foxy Series
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

Fighting the Samisch

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
02.22.2016
Category: Openings
Tags: chess, opening, samisch, theory,
Fighting the Samisch

The Samisch variation, named after the German master Friedrich Samisch, is among the most popular replies against the King’s Indian. Usually, the second player has two important ideas in this opening.

One is to attack the center and put pressure on the square d4 and on the pawn on e4 and the other one is to launch an attack against white’s short castle.

By playing 5.f3, white wants to stop black’s plans, so he first solidifies the center by overprotecting it. Afterwards, he can develop his pieces behind this pawn “wall”, long castle and start an attack against the black king.

fighting samish

However, there is one drawback of this system that black usually tries to exploit: white is putting his development on hold for a few moves. Besides this, by pushing f3, he takes away the most natural development square for the knight on g1.

Ready to start systematic training that actually works?

start chess training

Click here to start your training using the day-by-day program.

Black has a few good options against this set-up. One of the most aggressive and straightforward is to short castle and play c5. With this pawn sacrifice, he tries to exploit the absence of the knight on f3 and challenge the d4 pawn, but at the same time wants to open the position and prove that the lead in development is important. Although this line is fine for black, the game usually gets very sharp, which means that you can’t afford forgetting your home preparation.

In this article we are going to present you a different plan, where black looks to counterattack on the queen-side by playing …c6 and …a6, which prepare the break …b5.

fighting samish

Position after 5. f3 – c6 6. Be3 – a6

This usually discourages white from castling queen-side, as he would have too many files open against his king. Next, we are going to analyze a few of white’s most popular answers in this position and show you the ideas black can use in each case.

White plays 7. a4

This move is an automatic response which prevents black’s idea of …b5. However, it weakens white’s structure too much and you should immediately exploit this by playing 7…a5! Black loses a tempo, but in this case this is not so important. In exchange, you have gained the square b4 for the knight on b8 (Nb8-a6-b4) and you have ruined white’s idea of starting an attack on the king-side. Black’s usual plan in this position is to play Nfd7 and e5, gaining the c5 square as well.

White plays 7. c5

In this case, black should continue as planned with 7…0-0 followed by b5. After this move, white should make a choice between taking on d6 or on b6. If he decides to play the first capture, then black will be the first to attack and he can do so by creating threats along the e-file. If white captures on b6, then black’s plan is to continue with Nbd7-b6 and attack on the queen-side. Otherwise, once the pawn is on b5, black can capture on c5 himself and use the space advantage he has in the center and queen-side.

White continues with Bd3, Nge2, 0-0

This is probably the most normal continuation for white. However, if he doesn’t try to stop b5, black should always play it and then, after 0-0 and Nbd7, prepare another central break such as e5 or even c5. Another idea to keep in mind is capturing on c4 in order to create pressure along the b-file.

Insert Maiwald-McShane.pgn

 

 

We hope that the ideas presented in this article will serve you in your future games against the Samisch. If you are looking for a long, strategical fight, this set-up gives black good play and plenty of chances to play for the win.

If you want to improve your chess level, you need to have a clear study plan. If you aim for a dramatic improvement at chess you need to work on all of the elements of the game in a systematic way:

  • tactics
  • positional play
  • attacking skills
  • endgame technique
  • classical games analysis
  • psychological preparation
  • and much more

That seems to be like a lot of things, and that is. But no worries, we have made it easy for you. Our comprehensive training course covers it all and much more. Sign up for 21 Day Training right now!

Image Credits: Flickr creative commons license by Don Juan Triunfante.

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • The Line 7.Nd5 Against the Sveshnikov SicilianThe Line 7.Nd5 Against the Sveshnikov Sicilian
  • The Double Fianchetto in the RetiThe Double Fianchetto in the Reti
  • Opening Preparation For Club Players – Part IIOpening Preparation For Club Players – Part II
Related Products
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join more than 30,000 subscribers and get access FREE Chess Study Guide!
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2022 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz