King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation, Bronstein Variation (E87)

The Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation, Bronstein Variation is a variation of the King's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E87. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 e5 7. d5 Nh5 8. Qd2 Qh4+ 9. g3 Nxg3 10. Qf2 Nxf1 11. Qxh4 Nxe3 12. Ke2 Nxc4, reaching the position shown below after 24 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d5 and e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after 12 moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted; White’s h-file pawn is isolated; Black has the bishop pair.

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

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Position characteristics

• White material edge
• Contested centre
• Bishop pair
• Isolated pawn

Related King's Indian Defense lines

• Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation
• Sämisch Variation
• Sämisch Variation, Bronstein Defense
• Sämisch Variation, Closed Variation
• Sämisch Variation, Closed Variation
• Sämisch Variation, Closed Variation, Main Line
• Larsen Variation
• Normal Variation, Rare Defenses
• Semi-Classical Variation, Benoni Variation
• Semi-Classical Variation, Hollywood Variation
• Fianchetto Variation, Benjamin Defense
• Semi-Classical Variation

See all 112 King's Indian Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

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

The Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation, Bronstein Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. f3 O-O 6. Be3 e5 7. d5 Nh5 8. Qd2 Qh4+ 9. g3 Nxg3 10. Qf2 Nxf1 11. Qxh4 Nxe3 12. Ke2 Nxc4. It is a variation of the King's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E87.

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

The Sämisch Variation, Orthodox Variation, Bronstein Variation is ECO E87. 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, Bronstein 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 7. d5 Nh5 8. Qd2 Qh4+ 9. g3 Nxg3 10. Qf2 Nxf1 11. Qxh4 Nxe3 12. Ke2 Nxc4 at +1.01 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, Bronstein Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d5 and e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted; White’s h-file pawn is isolated; Black has the bishop pair.