Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation

The Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation is a solid and flexible chess opening that leads to rich middlegame positions with chances for both sides.

The opening is named after the Hungarian Grandmaster László Sämisch, who contributed significantly to its development. It is a variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, which is a popular and well-respected opening that arises after certain moves. The Sämisch Variation is characterized by a specific move, which forces Black to make a decision with their dark-squared bishop.

In this variation, Black typically captures the knight on c3 with their bishop, doubling White's pawns but giving up the bishop pair. White then aims to use their pawn majority in the center and on the queenside to create counterplay. Black, on the other hand, will try to exploit the doubled pawns and target the weakened dark squares in White's position.

The main line continues with a move that challenges White's center and prepares to develop the knight to a certain square. White usually responds with a move that supports the central pawn and prepares to develop their light-squared bishop. After a series of moves, both sides have completed their development and are ready to enter the middlegame.

The resulting positions are rich in strategic and tactical possibilities, with chances for both sides to outplay their opponent. The Sämisch Variation is a flexible and solid choice for players looking to avoid the main lines of the Nimzo-Indian Defense while still maintaining a fighting game.