Theoria
8765432abcdefgh1

King's Indian Defense

Sämisch Variation, Panno Formation

E83positionalaggressive

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4g6
  3. 3.Nc3Bg7
  4. 4.e4d6
  5. 5.f3O-O
  6. 6.Be3Nc6
  7. 7.Nge2a6
416 games45%48%

A flexible King's Indian setup against the Sämisch in which Black plays ...Nc6 and ...a6, preparing ...b5 or ...e5 depending on White's plan.

Train it in Theoria

About the Panno Formation

The Panno Formation is a flexible answer to the Sämisch. Instead of committing at once to ...e5 or ...c5, Black develops with 6...Nc6 and prepares queenside expansion with 7...a6. After the usual 8. Qd2 Rb8, Black lets White's choice decide the plan. If White castles long, ...b5 opens lines against that king. Against a more restrained setup, ...e5 challenges the center. The alternatives 8. d5 and 8. Nc1 are far less common. Engines give White a slight edge.

Popular continuations