King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation (E85)

The Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation is a variation of the King's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E85. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 e5, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.

On the King's Indian Defense generally: A hypermodern defense where Black allows White to build a big center, then counterattacks it.

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King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation — position after e5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 e5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4g6
3Nc3Bg7
4e4d6
5f3O-O
6Be3e5

ECO: E85

Stockfish: +0.64 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related King's Indian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation?

The Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 e5. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E85.

What is the ECO code for the Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation?

The Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation is ECO E85. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Indian Defense.

Is the Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 e5 at +0.64 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.