The King's Indian Defence, Sämisch Variation: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... b6 begins with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 0-0 6.Be3 b6 (ECO E82). Across rating levels it shows up in 76,642 recorded games — enough data to map exactly where it succeeds and where it stalls.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the King's Indian Defence, Sämisch Variation: 0-0. On the White side, Florin Gheorghiu (14 games), Theodor Ghitescu (8 games), Rainer Knaak (7 games) top the database. Notable Black exponents: Milan Vukic (14 games), Leonid Stein (12 games), Wlodzimierz Schmidt (8 games).
Move Diversity and Theory Depth
What players actually play after the opening moves depends heavily on rating. At 1200 Elo, the top reply is Qd2, played 52.8% of the time. There are 3 other moves seeing meaningful share, and 89.5% of games stick to established theory. Entropy: 2.00. By 2500, Qd2 dominates at 42.8% of replies; only 3 viable alternatives remain and 95.1% of moves are theory. Entropy drops to 1.85.
Common Mistakes
- Drifting away from main theory — At 400 Elo, theory adherence sits at 71.7% — versus 97.6% at 2000. The most popular deviation is a4 (played 5.7% of the time at 400, much less so up top). It looks fine but quietly hands the better-prepared side an edge.
- Neglecting development — Extra pawn moves in the opening are tempting, especially when you "know the moves". Developing a piece each turn is the simple correction.
- Letting White own the centre — Hypermodern openings concede central space on purpose, but only if you strike back in time. Delay the counter-blow and you end up squeezed.
Practice on Chessiverse
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