1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 0-0 6.Be3 e5 7.d5 opens the King's Indian Defence, Sämisch Variation: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... 7.d5, ECO E87. Across rating levels it shows up in 323,321 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: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4... e5. On the White side, Rainer Knaak (20 games), Florin Gheorghiu (19 games), Petr Haba (15 games) top the database. Notable Black exponents: Svetozar Gligoric (30 games), Wolfgang Uhlmann (28 games), Lothar Vogt (11 games).
Performance Across Rating Levels
The picture changes a lot as you climb the rating ladder. At 1200 Elo, the opening shows up in 0.00% of games (2,886 samples). White scores 54.4%, Black 42.6%, draws 3%. By 1800, popularity is 0.01% and White's score is 50.9% to Black's 44.5%. At the top end (2500+ Elo), popularity is 0.02% with 7.5% draws — a clear sign of how much theory rules the line at master level. White's edge erodes by 4.2pp from 1200 to 2500 Elo, suggesting Black's counterplay is easier to find with experience.
Move Diversity and Theory Depth
Looking at move selection shows how forcing — or not — the position really is. At 1200 Elo, the top reply is c6, played 46.8% of the time. There are 3 other moves seeing meaningful share, and 71.6% of games stick to established theory. Entropy: 2.60. By 2500, Nh5 dominates at 39.5% of replies; only 4 viable alternatives remain and 82.6% of moves are theory. Entropy drops to 2.29.
Historical Trends
Year-over-year data tells you whether this opening is a contemporary fixture or a fading one. Adoption peaked in 2015 at 0.01% (2,291 games). By 2025 it sits at 0.01% — a 7% shift overall, leaving the line flat.
Main Lines and Variations
From the position after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 0-0 6.Be3 e5 7.d5, the recognised continuations are:
Each branch leads to a different middlegame character — the resulting pawn structure decides what kind of game you get.
Common Mistakes
- 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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