Sämisch Gambit start
Black challenges the Sämisch centre before White's attack is ready.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5
King's Indian Sämisch Gambit: Adviser, Diagrams and Replay Lab
The King's Indian Sämisch Gambit is the sharp ...c5 counter to White's Sämisch centre: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5. White can accept with 7.dxc5, often leading to 8.Qxd8 Rxd8 9.Bxc5, while Black plays for development, open-file pressure and queenside activity.
Sämisch Gambit quick map
This is the sharper ...c5 pawn-grab child of the King's Indian Sämisch Variation.
- Core line:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5. - Accepted test:
7.dxc5 dxc5. - Queen trade:
8.Qxd8 Rxd8. - Material test:
9.Bxc5 versus Black's activity.
Sämisch Gambit Adviser
Choose your side, branch, problem and study time. The adviser points to the diagram or replay group that best fits the ...c5 pawn-grab structure.
Key King's Indian Sämisch Gambit diagrams
These python-chess checked diagrams use final-move arrows from each displayed sequence: 6...c5, 7.dxc5, 8.Qxd8 Rxd8, 9.Bxc5, Nge2/d5, ...Ne5 and ...Na5.
7.dxc5
White accepts the challenge and tests Black's compensation.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.dxc5
8.Qxd8 Rxd8
The queens leave, but Black's rook gains the open d-file.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.dxc5 dxc5 8.Qxd8 Rxd8
9.Bxc5
White grabs the c5 pawn; Black must prove activity.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.dxc5 dxc5 8.Qxd8 Rxd8 9.Bxc5
7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5
White declines the immediate pawn grab and chooses a space structure.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5
8...Ne5
Black centralises and pressures c4, f3 and d3 squares.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5 Ne5
8...Na5
Black attacks c4 and steers toward queenside counterplay.
Example move sequence1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5 Na5
King's Indian Sämisch Gambit Replay Lab
The replay selector uses supplied Sämisch Gambit PGNs only, grouped by accepted dxc5 lines, queen trades, 9.Bxc5 pawn grabs, Nge2/d5 structures, ...Na5 counterplay and Black activity models.
Recommended first pass: Karpov vs Ivanchuk for the pawn grab, Wang Yue vs Radjabov for queen-trade technique, Kramnik vs Gelfand for rich ...c5/Nge2 play, and Svidler vs Radjabov for ...Na5 counterplay.
Sämisch Gambit Branch Map
Sämisch Variation parent
This page is the sharper ...c5 pawn-grab child page. Return to the King's Indian Sämisch Variation page.
Panno comparison
If Black uses ...Nc6, ...a6 and ...b5 as the main plan, compare the King's Indian Panno Variation page.
King's Indian Defence parent
For the full family, return to the King's Indian Defence page.
Classical comparison
If White uses Nf3 and Be2 instead of f3, compare the Classical Variation page.
Study plan for White
- Learn whether you want to accept with dxc5 or play Nge2 and d5.
- If you accept, study the queen trade and the development problem after Bxc5.
- Use the Replay Lab to compare one White technique game and one Black activity win.
Study plan for Black
- Know what compensation you get after dxc5, Qxd8 and Bxc5.
- Use the d-file, quick development and queenside pressure instead of drifting a pawn down.
- Use the Adviser to decide whether your model game should be the accepted line or Nge2/d5 counterplay.
King's Indian Sämisch Gambit FAQ
King's Indian Sämisch Gambit basics
What is the King's Indian Sämisch Gambit?
The King's Indian Sämisch Gambit is the sharp ...c5 counter against White's 5.f3 and Be3 Sämisch setup, often involving 6...c5 and the pawn grab 7.dxc5. Use the Sämisch Gambit start diagram.
What is the exact move order of the Sämisch Gambit?
A standard move order is 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 c5. Use the Sämisch Gambit start diagram.
Why is 6...c5 called a gambit-style line?
Black immediately challenges White's centre and often allows dxc5 and Bxc5 structures in return for activity and development. Use the 7.dxc5 diagram.
Is the Sämisch Gambit part of the King's Indian Defence?
Yes. It is a sharp child line of the Sämisch Variation within the King's Indian Defence. Use the Branch Map to return to the Sämisch parent page.
What is White's main idea after 6...c5?
White can accept the challenge with dxc5, trade queens, and try to hold the extra material while completing development. Use the 8.Qxd8 Rxd8 diagram.
What is Black's main idea after 6...c5?
Black seeks quick piece activity, pressure on c4 and d4, and queenside play before White consolidates the pawn. Use the Adviser with side set to Black.
Is the Sämisch Gambit dangerous for White?
It can be dangerous if White grabs material and falls behind in development. Use the 9.Bxc5 diagram.
Is the Sämisch Gambit good for club players?
Yes for practical players who enjoy active counterplay, but both sides must know the early queen-trade and pawn-grab structures. Use the Adviser first.
Accepted pawn-grab lines
What happens after 7.dxc5?
After 7.dxc5, Black usually recaptures with ...dxc5 and invites a queen trade or active-piece compensation. Use the 7.dxc5 diagram.
What happens after 7.dxc5 dxc5 8.Qxd8 Rxd8?
The queens come off, but the position remains sharp because White may take on c5 while Black develops rapidly. Use the 8.Qxd8 Rxd8 diagram.
Why does White play 9.Bxc5?
White plays 9.Bxc5 to win the c5 pawn and test whether Black's activity compensates for the material. Use the 9.Bxc5 diagram.
What compensation does Black get after 9.Bxc5?
Black gets active pieces, pressure on the d-file, and targets around b2, c4 and e4. Use the Replay Lab's 9.Bxc5 group.
Why can queenless Sämisch Gambit positions still be tactical?
Even without queens, the open d-file, exposed white king and delayed development create tactics. Use the 8.Qxd8 Rxd8 diagram.
What is White's development problem after taking on c5?
White often has extra material but must develop the kingside and coordinate rooks before Black's activity grows. Use the 9.Bxc5 diagram.
What is Black's main target after the pawn grab?
Black targets c4, b2, e4 and White's delayed king safety. Use the Replay Lab's early queen-trade group.
Should White always take on c5?
No. White can also choose Nge2, d5 or other structures if the pawn grab gives Black too much activity. Use the Adviser with side set to White.
Nge2 and d5 structures
What is the Nge2 approach against 6...c5?
White plays Nge2 to develop calmly, support f4/g3 routes and keep the centre flexible. Use the 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5 diagram.
What happens after 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5?
White closes the centre and Black chooses between ...Ne5, ...Na5, ...e6 or queenside counterplay. Use the 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5 diagram.
What is Black's ...Ne5 idea?
...Ne5 occupies a central square, attacks c4 and f3, and helps Black coordinate against White's space. Use the 8...Ne5 diagram.
What is Black's ...Na5 idea?
...Na5 targets c4 and prepares queenside pressure, especially when White has closed the centre with d5. Use the 8...Na5 diagram.
How is this different from the accepted pawn-grab line?
The Nge2/d5 structure keeps more pieces and tension, while the accepted line often trades queens and tests Black's compensation. Use the diagram grid.
Why does White close with d5?
White closes with d5 to gain space and reduce Black's central breaks, but this gives Black fixed targets on c4 and e4. Use the 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5 diagram.
What is Black's ...e6 break?
...e6 attacks the d5 chain and can open central files before White's attack is ready. Use the Replay Lab's Nge2/d5 groups.
When should White prefer Nge2 over dxc5?
White should prefer Nge2 when they want development and long-term space rather than a risky pawn grab. Use the Adviser.
Black counterplay themes
What is Black's most important counterbreak?
Black's most important counterbreak is ...c5 because it attacks White's broad Sämisch centre before it becomes an attacking platform. Use the Sämisch Gambit start diagram.
Why does Black use the d-file after the queen trade?
After Qxd8 and ...Rxd8, Black's rook immediately pressures the d-file and can create activity despite the missing pawn. Use the 8.Qxd8 Rxd8 diagram.
Why does Black develop with ...Nc6?
...Nc6 increases pressure on d4 and helps Black meet either dxc5 or d5 with active piece play. Use the 7.Nge2 Nc6 8.d5 diagram.
Why does Black play ...Qa5 in some Sämisch Gambit lines?
...Qa5 pins and pressures c3, c5 and e4, making it harder for White to consolidate. Use the Replay Lab's ...Qa5 pressure group.
What is Black's queenside counterplay?
Black often uses ...a6, ...b5, ...b6 or ...Rb8 to attack the c4 and b2 structure. Use the Replay Lab's queenside counterplay group.
What should Black avoid in the Sämisch Gambit?
Black should avoid giving up the c5 pawn without rapid development and file pressure. Use the Adviser with side set to Black.
What should White avoid in the Sämisch Gambit?
White should avoid grabbing material and then spending too many tempi while Black's rooks and minor pieces become active. Use the 9.Bxc5 diagram.
How should Black study this gambit?
Black should study one accepted dxc5 model, one queen-trade model, one Nge2/d5 model and one queenside counterplay game. Use the Replay Lab optgroups.
Replay Lab and model games
Which Sämisch Gambit replay should I watch first?
Start with Kramnik vs Gelfand for the rich 6...c5 7.Nge2 structures, then compare Karpov vs Ivanchuk for the direct dxc5 pawn grab. Use the Replay Lab selector.
Which replay shows the accepted dxc5 line?
Karpov vs Ivanchuk, Wang Yue vs Radjabov, Karpov vs Nakamura and Vitiugov vs Khismatullin show dxc5 and queen-trade structures. Use the accepted pawn-grab replay groups.
Which replay shows 9.Bxc5?
Karpov vs Ivanchuk, Wang Yue vs Radjabov, Karpov vs Nakamura and Vitiugov vs Khismatullin all include Bxc5 structures. Use the 9.Bxc5 replay group.
Which replay shows Nge2 and d5?
Kasimdzhanov vs Topalov, Wang Hao vs Inarkiev, Tomashevsky vs Ponomariov, Caruana vs Vachier-Lagrave, Morozevich vs Kamsky and Svidler vs Radjabov show Nge2/d5 structures. Use the Nge2 replay groups.
Which replay shows ...Na5 counterplay?
Svidler vs Radjabov is a supplied model with ...Na5 and queenside counterplay against d5. Use the 8...Na5 replay group.
Which replay shows Black winning in this family?
Kasimdzhanov vs Topalov, Karpov vs Nakamura and Moiseenko vs Morozevich show Black resources. Use the Black-result replay groups.
Which replay is best for White players?
Kramnik vs Gelfand, Karpov vs Ivanchuk, Wang Yue vs Radjabov, Vitiugov vs Khismatullin, Vitiugov vs Cheparinov, Vitiugov vs Ding Liren, Morozevich vs Kamsky and Svidler vs Radjabov show White resources. Use the White-result replay groups.
Should I study every Sämisch Gambit replay?
No. Start with one dxc5 game, one queen-trade game, one Nge2/d5 game and one Black counterplay win. Use the Replay Lab optgroups.
Practical repertoire choices
Should White accept the Sämisch Gambit?
White can accept it if they are ready for queen trades, fast development demands and Black's activity. Use the Adviser with side set to White.
Should Black play the Sämisch Gambit?
Black should play it if they want immediate counterplay against the Sämisch and are comfortable playing for activity in queenless positions. Use the Adviser with side set to Black.
Is the Sämisch Gambit more forcing than normal Sämisch lines?
Yes. The early ...c5 and dxc5 options make the position concrete very quickly. Use the accepted pawn-grab diagrams.
Is the Sämisch Gambit suitable for rapid and blitz?
Yes, it is practical in faster games because White must solve development and material questions early. Use the Replay Lab's rapid examples.
Is the Sämisch Gambit the same as the Panno Variation?
No. Panno-style play uses ...Nc6, ...a6 and ...b5; the Sämisch Gambit child here focuses on ...c5 and pawn-grab structures. Use the Branch Map.
What should I study after this page?
After this page, study the Sämisch Variation parent, Panno Variation, Classical Variation, Four Pawns Attack and Fianchetto pages. Use the Branch Map links.
How should I use this page for training?
Use one diagram to understand the pawn grab, one Adviser recommendation to choose a plan, and one Replay Lab group to see that plan in action. Use the Adviser first.
What is the fastest way to learn this line?
Learn 6...c5, 7.dxc5, the queen trade, 9.Bxc5, and the alternative Nge2/d5 structure. Use the diagram grid first.
Next step
Use this page as the dedicated Sämisch Gambit lab. Start with 6...c5, then compare 7.dxc5, Qxd8, Bxc5 and Nge2/d5 in the Replay Lab.
Want to connect this opening with wider opening principles?
Study opening principles with practical examples
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