King's Indian Defense, Sämisch Variation, Panno Formation

The Sämisch Variation begins when White advances the f-pawn to f3. Coordinates such as f3 name a square by its file and rank. That pawn supports e4 and controls g4, making it easier to develop the c1-bishop to e3 and place the queen on d2. In the Panno Formation, Black develops the b8-knight to c6 and advances the a-pawn to a6 in order to prepare the b-pawn.

The word formation describes a recurring setup rather than a forced sequence. The b-pawn advance is a pawn break, a move that contacts the opposing structure to gain space and open lines on the queenside, the side where the queens begin. Black often moves a rook to b8 to support that advance, but must also watch the center and decide whether to challenge it with the e-pawn or c-pawn.

White may castle on either side. Castling moves the king and a rook in one move. If White's king goes to the queenside, opening that wing can become a direct attack; if the king goes to the kingside, the side where the kings began, Black's expansion still gains space but the center may be more urgent. Unlike the Makogonov, the Sämisch is distinguished by the f-pawn on f3 and its immediate support of e4.