King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Ruban Variation

In chess, the opening move 1.d4 is a solid choice for white because it immediately stakes a claim in the center of the board. This move prepares to control the e5 square, and also enables white's pawn on c2 to move to c4, attacking black's knight on f6 and gaining space on the queenside. By emphasizing control of the center, white aims to build a strong position and maintain pressure on black's pieces.

Black's move 1...Nf6 controls the e4-square, challenging White's claim to the center of the board. This knight also aims to attack White's pawn on d4, pushing it back and reducing White's control over important central squares. Moreover, Nf6 is a developing move, allowing Black to bring a piece off the back rank and prepare castling for kingside safety. By developing pieces and controlling the center, Black aims to build a flexible position that can adapt to White's moves.

The move 2.c4 continues White's strategy of controlling the center, by counterattacking Black's knight on f6 and reinforcing White's pawn on d4. Moreover, this move prepares to develop White's knight to c3, attacking Black's pawn on d5 and exerting additional pressure on Black's position. By expanding on the queenside, White aims to gain space and limit Black's options for counterplay. Additionally, playing c4 opens up lines for White's light-squared bishop, potentially allowing for future attacks on Black's kingside.

In the King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Ruban Variation, Black's move 2...g6 prepares to develop their bishop to g7 and challenge White's control over the center. By fianchettoing the bishop, Black strengthens their control over the long diagonal and prepares to castle kingside for safety. Moreover, g6 sets up a flexible pawn structure that can be used to support future attacks or defend against White's advances. In sum, this move supports Black's overall strategy of counterattacking White's position with dynamic play.

White's move 3.Nc3 continues to develop their pieces and prepares to attack Black's central pawn on d5 with the d4 pawn. Additionally, this move supports White's pawn on e4, preventing Black from pushing their pawn to e5 in some variations. Moreover, the knight on c3 adds pressure to Black's position and can potentially be used to support a future queenside pawn advance. By developing pieces and putting pressure on Black, White aims to gain a strong position in the early game.

Black's move 3...Bg7 develops the bishop to a strong, active square, while supporting the pawn on d6 and indirectly defending the pawn on e5. By fianchettoing the bishop, Black also gains control over the long diagonal, putting pressure on White's kingside. Moreover, this move prepares to castle kingside, further improving the position of Black's king and increasing its safety. In sum, Bg7 strengthens Black's position and contributes to their plan of attacking White's position with dynamic play.

In the King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Ruban Variation, the move 4.e4 aims to establish a strong central pawn structure, supporting White's control over the center and limiting Black's options for counterplay. This move also opens lines for White's queen and bishop, putting pressure on Black's position. Moreover, e4 prepares to develop White's light-squared bishop to a strong diagonal, potentially attacking Black's kingside. By expanding in the center and gaining space, White aims to build a powerful position that can be used to launch future attacks.

Black's move 4...d6 supports the pawn on e5 and prepares to develop their dark-squared bishop. By setting up a solid pawn structure, Black aims to defend against possible White attacks and create the foundation for future counterattacks. Moreover, d6 opens up a square on c6 for Black's knight, which can be used to control important central squares. Additionally, this move prepares to castle kingside, increasing the safety of Black's king. In sum, d6 is a flexible move that contributes to Black's strategy of wait-and-see defensive play.

White's move 5.f3 secures their pawn on e4, preventing Black from advancing their pawn to e5 and contesting control over the center. Additionally, f3 prepares to move White's knight to the e2-square, freeing up the d3-square for the bishop and potentially putting pressure on Black's position. Moreover, this move creates a safe square for White's king-side bishop, preparing to castle kingside without the risk of back-rank mate. By strengthening their position and limiting Black's options, White aims to maintain control over the game and prevent Black's counterattacks.

In the King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Ruban Variation, Black's move 5...O-O castles kingside, securing the king's safety and preparing to bring the rook into the game. This move also connects the rooks and frees up the d8-square for Black's queen or a minor piece. Moreover, O-O allows Black to centralize their king's rook, potentially supporting a future attack against White's position. Additionally, this move puts pressure on White's kingside, as Black's pieces are now ready to launch attacks in that direction. In sum, O-O is a strong move that prepares Black for dynamic play in the middlegame.

White's move 6.Be3 develops the light-squared bishop and prepares to castle kingside, connecting the king to the rook and increasing its safety. This move also puts pressure on Black's knight on c6 and potentially discourages Black from advancing their pawn to d5. Additionally, Be3 strengthens White's attack on Black's kingside, by adding pressure along the long diagonal towards Black's castle. By developing pieces and preparing for future attacks, White aims to maintain control over the game and limit Black's options for counterplay.

Black's move 6...Nc6 aims to develop the knight to a strong, central square and prepares for attacking White's position with future moves. This knight also blocks White's light-squared bishop from advancing to g5 and pinning Black's knight on f6. Moreover, Nc6 supports Black's pawn on d6 and creates a potential threat of advancing to e5, which would challenge White's control over the center. Additionally, this move puts pressure on White's queen, potentially forcing it to retreat or trade off pieces. By developing a flexible position and maintaining the initiative, Black aims to build a strong attack against White's position.

In the King's Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation, Ruban Variation, White's move 7.Nge2 develops the knight to a strong central position and prepares to attack Black's pawn on d6 with the f3 pawn. This move also puts pressure on Black's knight on c6 and potentially supports a future queenside pawn advance. Additionally, Nge2 protects the pawn on e4 and prepares to castle kingside without the risk of a discovered attack on the queen. By developing their pieces and putting pressure on Black's position, White aims to gain a strong and flexible position in the early game.

Black's move 7...Rb8 prepares to bring the rook into the game and potentially support an attack on White's queenside. This move also doubles the support to Black's pawn on b7, defending it against possible White attacks. Moreover, Rb8 prevents White's knight on c3 from moving to b5 and putting pressure on Black's position. Additionally, this move prepares to push the b-pawn forward, creating additional space and potentially threatening White's pawn structure. By developing their pieces and preparing for future attacks, Black aims to build a strong and flexible position in the early game.