Sämisch Variation, Yates Defense

After 5...O-O 6. Be3, the Yates Defense develops the queen's knight before Black commits a pawn in the center. Black neither strikes with 6...e5 nor offers the pawn with 6...c5. The knight on c6 adds pressure to d4, the usual weak point of the Sämisch pawn chain, and keeps ...e5 available. It also blocks the c-pawn, so the Benoni-style ...c5 break is put off. Black usually waits with ...a6 and ...Rb8, then picks ...b5 or a central break once White's king and pieces have committed. The best-known way this plan arises is the Panno, 7. Nge2 a6 8. Qd2 Rb8.

White's most common reply is 7. Qd2, which supports Be3 and keeps queenside castling in view. 7. Nge2 is the main alternative and has given White the best practical results. It is also the engine's first choice. 7. Bd3 is played nearly as often and develops the bishop at once. Engines give White a slight edge. Draws are rare, and in practice the games tend to end decisively.