Queen's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation (E15)

The Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation is a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense, catalogued as ECO E15. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 c5, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, 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 five moves.

On the Queen's Indian Defense generally: A flexible defense to 1.d4 where Black fianchettoes the queen's bishop to control e4.

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Queen's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation — position after c5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 c5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3b6
4g3Bb7
5Bg2c5

ECO: E15

Stockfish: +0.47 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

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

The Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 c5. It is a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense and is catalogued as ECO E15.

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

The Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation is ECO E15. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Indian Defense.

Is the Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 c5 at +0.47 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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 Fianchetto Variation, Sämisch Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, 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.