The King's Indian Sämisch Gambit is lesson 7 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 5: master sacrifices, an opening course suited to players rated around 2100 (strong club players). King's Indian, Sämisch Variation, E81. Black gives a pawn with c5 to open the long diagonal. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
This is the Sämisch against the King's Indian. White's pawns on c4, d4, e4 and f3 make a big centre. Black hits it at once with a pawn. About 2.2 million rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
c5! Black gives the c-pawn. If dxc5, the long diagonal of the bishop on g7 opens.
After dxc5, dxc5 and the queen trade, Bxc5 takes the pawn, and Nc6 develops. Black is a pawn down, but White's dark squares are weak, and Black's pieces are active. The engines call it about equal.
Recap.
Against the Sämisch, c5 hits the centre.
If dxc5, the long diagonal opens.
After the queen trade, Bxc5 and Nc6.
White's dark squares stay weak.
What you practise
First play the line. You are Black: play the moves of the King's Indian Defence, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. You are Black. White has a big centre. Strike it with a pawn and give it.
White does not take on c5. White develops with Nge2. Develop and keep the pressure on d4.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are Black: play the moves of the King's Indian Defence, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. White answers Be3. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. You are Black. White has a big centre. Strike it with a pawn and give it. That is the Sämisch Gambit. The bishop on g7 gets the long diagonal.
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