Theoria
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Queen's Indian Defense

Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation

E15positionaloffbeat

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4e6
  3. 3.Nf3b6
  4. 4.g3Bb7
  5. 5.Bg2c5
816 games51%43%

A Queen's Indian line in which Black challenges d4 with an early ...c5, often leading to Benoni-like structures; White keeps a slight edge.

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About the Sämisch Variation

Named after Friedrich Sämisch, this line has Black strike at d4 with 5...c5 before castling, inviting Benoni-type structures if White advances the pawn. The usual reply is 6. O-O. The sharper 6. d5 gains space and obstructs the b7-bishop. After 6...exd5 7. Nh4 it becomes the Rubinstein Variation, with White delaying the recapture on d5. The engine gives White a slight edge, and the line is uncommon in practice.

Popular continuations