Nimzo-Indian Defence: Sämisch Variation
Also known as Sämisch Nimzo
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3 Bxc3+ 5.bxc3
White meets the Nimzo-Indian pin with 4.a3, forcing Black to swap the bishop on c3. White's c-pawns are doubled, but in return White gets the bishop pair and a broad pawn centre aimed at a kingside attack. Black plays against the weakened pawns and the doubled c4-pawn.
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What it does
The Sämisch challenges Black's pinning bishop at once with 4.a3. Black has little choice but to capture on c3, and after 5.bxc3 White has self-inflicted doubled c-pawns. In exchange, White owns the two bishops and can erect a powerful centre with pawns on c3, d4 and e4, often supported by f3 and Bd3. The plan is straightforward and aggressive: roll the centre forward, open lines and attack Black's king, treating the structural damage as a fair price for activity.
When to use it
Choose the Sämisch when you face the Nimzo-Indian as White and want a sharp, ambitious fight rather than a quiet positional game. It suits players who enjoy attacking chess, are happy to handle a slightly compromised pawn structure, and prefer a clear long-term plan – build the centre, then storm the kingside. It rewards study, since Black has well-known counter-setups, so it is best for players ready to learn some concrete lines.
Why it works
The bishop pair and the extra central pawn give White genuine attacking potential. With pawns on d4 and e4 (and often c4), White controls key squares and can advance e4-e5 to cramp Black or open the kingside. The doubled c-pawns, though weak, also reinforce d4 and hand White the half-open b-file. If White gets the centre rolling before Black organises pressure against c4, the attack can be very dangerous.
Key ideas
- 4.a3 forces ...Bxc3+, giving White the bishop pair
- Accept doubled c-pawns for a big centre and attack
- Build pawns on c3, d4 and e4, supported by f3
- Aim e4-e5 and a kingside pawn storm at Black's king
- Black targets the weak, doubled c4-pawn with ...Ba6
- Black undermines the centre with ...c5, ...d6 and ...f5
Watch out
Black should not grab pawns while White's centre and bishops mobilise – falling behind can invite a quick e4-e5 and a kingside avalanche. White must not push the centre carelessly: if c4 falls or the centre gets blockaded, the doubled c-pawns become lasting weaknesses and Black's pressure on the c-file can leave White simply worse.