The Sämisch variation is a powerful method to counter the popular King’s Indian Defence. The key move is the advance f2-f3, consolidating White’s central space advantage and limiting Black’s options for counterplay. In the traditional Sämisch White develops the queen’s bishop on e3 but in the modern version, as explored in this book, the move Bg5 is preferred. This creates further problems for Black as the natural King’s Indian counter ... e7-e5 allows White a potentially strong pin against the f6-knight, while chasing the bishop with ... h6 and ... g5 creates kingside weaknesses.

• Learn to play the Modern Sämisch with confidence
• Emphasis on plans and strategies
• Written by an expert on the Modern Sämisch

It’s always a pleasure to see one of your fa vourite openings in the spotlight, especially when that opening has been somewhat neglec ted by theoretical manuals. I first noticed the idea of 6 Bg5 in the Samisch around the ag e of 14 while searching for an alternative to my enjoyable but over-sharp Four Pawns Atta ck (5 f4). Some impressive games of Boris Gulko (a truly wonderful player at his best) fired my enthusiasm and it has been the cor- nerstone of my anti-King’s In dian repertoire ever since.

My experience with the opening at the very to p level took flight during my time as a second for the French super-GM Joel Lautier. His sharp battles with Kasparov in this open- ing (resulting in three draws) were a highlight of our work together. However much we analysed (and we analysed a lot!) Kasparov had always gone a step further, but Joel’s unique ability not to lose to Kasparov saved the day!

Two themes in the Modern Benoni structures typical of this opening have won me a lot of points over the years, and it’s good to see these well-represented in this book:

1. b4, stopping Black’s queenside counterplay with ...b5 in its tracks.
2. f3-f4, preparing e4-e5 often as a pawn sacrifice.

Both ideas can set difficult problems for the unprepared Black player. In particular, the shift from f2-f3 (solidly protecting the e4 pa wn and negating Black counterplay against the centre) to an aggressive central strategy with f3-f4 often catches Black players unaware in practical play. I hope you gain as much pleasure and success from this opening as I have in the past 30 years. This book should certainly provide yo u with an excellent foundation for some very enjoyable anti-King’s Indian adventures!
Matthew Sadler