Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation
ECO E29 · Nimzo-Indian Defense · tactical · intermediate
The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation (E29) is a tactical chess opening in the Nimzo-Indian Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 c5 5. Bd3 Nc6 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. bxc3 O-O. With f3. White accepts doubled pawns for the bishop pair. Recommended for intermediate players.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 c5 5. Bd3 Nc6 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. bxc3 O-O
About this opening
The Sämisch Variation (4.a3) immediately forces ...Bxc3+: White accepts doubled pawns on the c-file in return for the bishop pair and an imposing pawn center it hopes to advance. Black banks on blockading those doubled pawns and pressuring the c4 square. It is a classic strategic clash between bishop activity and structural weaknesses, dear to plan-oriented players.