Chessy
King's Indian: Samisch as White
The Samisch is one of White’s most ambitious ways to meet the King’s Indian. After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3, you build a strong centre and keep space on the board. That also means you must know what Black usually does next and how to meet it calmly. The drill below puts you in the critical position with Black to move, so you can practise the ideas instead of memorising a long line.
Play the King's Indian: Samisch against the engine
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With 5.f3, White supports the centre and prepares to keep a broad pawn grip. This is an ambitious system: you are not aiming for a quiet equal game, but for a space advantage and active play on your terms. The position rewards players who are happy to take time building a strong centre and then respond accurately when Black challenges it.
The main move Black chooses
Stockfish rates this +0.41, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly better here.
The engine’s best move is O-O, and it continues with O-O Nge2 c5 d5. In practical terms, that tells you Black’s most natural reaction is to castle and hit your centre later. In the drill, focus on keeping your centre solid and being ready for the typical kingside and central pressure that follows.
What the database says
Across 459,448 games from this exact position, White scores 52.5%, draws 3.6%, and Black wins 43.9%. That is a healthy result for White and a useful sign that your opening setup is doing real work.
The most-played continuation is O-O, with 348,729 games and White scoring 52.1%. The other common choices are Nbd7, c6, Nc6, e5, and c5. You do not need to memorise every branch; instead, learn the ideas that help you answer these standard reactions.
Common replies to be ready for
The popular continuations all point to the same strategic battle: Black wants to challenge your centre, while you want to keep space and develop smoothly.
- Nbd7 is a frequent flexible setup.
- c6 and c5 are direct central challenges.
- Nc6 is another active developing move.
- e5 is less common but gives White a strong score in the database.
The drill is useful here because the position is rich enough that move order matters, but the underlying plans stay clear.
Results across 459,448 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| O-O | 348,729 | 52.1% |
| Nbd7 | 35,559 | 52.6% |
| c6 | 15,217 | 52.9% |
| Nc6 | 14,928 | 53.5% |
| e5 | 12,733 | 56.6% |
| c5 | 9,431 | 52.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the King's Indian: Samisch good for White?
Yes, this is a playable and ambitious choice for White. Stockfish gives it +0.41, which is a small edge for White, and the database results are also encouraging. It suits players who want space and are comfortable handling an active middlegame.
What is Black's best reply in this position?
The engine’s best move is O-O. The continuation given is O-O Nge2 c5 d5, which shows that Black usually castles first and then challenges the centre. In the drill, practise staying calm when that pressure comes.
What should White be aiming for after 5.f3?
White is trying to support the centre and keep a strong pawn presence. The whole setup is about space, central control, and being ready for Black’s break against your pawns. That means your move choices should protect the centre while developing naturally.
Which Black replies appear most often?
The most-played continuations are O-O, Nbd7, c6, Nc6, e5, and c5. These are the moves you should expect most often in practical games. The drill helps you get used to the position before Black chooses one of those familiar setups.
How many games feature the King's Indian: Samisch?
Over 459K Lichess games have reached the King's Indian: Samisch position. White wins 52.5%, Black wins 43.9%, with 3.6% draws — based on real rated games.