3.b3, intending Bb2, is a rare independent try, occasionally essayed by Heikki Westerinen in the 1970s. Later, Garry Kasparov also adopted the 5...a6 move order, but with the idea of playing ...e6 rather than ...e5. 3.c4 transposes into the Symmetrical English. The Sicilian is the most popular and best-scoring response to White's first move 1.e4. ?, the Prins Variation, which by delaying Nc3 maintains the option of setting up a Maróczy Bind formation with a later c2-c4. "[11], In 1813, the English master Jacob Henry Sarratt effectively standardised his English translation of the name of this opening as 'the Sicilian Defence', referring to an old Italian manuscript that used the phrase il gioco siciliano ('the Sicilian game'). 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 is the Smith–Morra Gambit. This is called the English Attack, because it was popularised by English grandmasters Murray Chandler, John Nunn and Nigel Short in the 1980s. the queen on d8) that also has to defend the d-pawn. Sterling Pub. It is played at every level, from beginners to the absolute elite and there is probably no strong player who has not tried it at least once. 6...Nd5 7.Bd2 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Be7 9.Qg4 and Black must either weaken the kingside with 9 ... g6 or give up the exchange after 9 ... 0-0 10.Bh6 g6. Andrew Soltis has dubbed that the "Chameleon System", since White maintains the option of playing a Closed Sicilian with 4.g3 or transposing to a standard Open Sicilian with 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4. Amant match, and the 1851 London Tournament. Another idea for White is 5.Bc4, which is met by 5...Qc7. Starting moves of Sicilian Kan Variation. 3.c3 will transpose to lines of the Alapin Variation after 3...Nf6, or the French Defence after 3...d5 4.e5 Nc6 5.d4, though 4...d4 is stronger, as after 5.cxd4 cxd4 6.Qa4+ Nc6 7.Bb5 Bd7 8.Bxc6 Bxc6 9.Qxd4 Bxf3 is a strong pawn sacrifice, giving Black excellent compensation. Kasparov's point is that the immediate 5...e6 (the Scheveningen Variation, discussed below) allows 6.g4, which is White's most dangerous line against the Scheveningen. Baron Kolisch ... concurs in these views. You can browse our entire chess database from this line, move by move. IM David Pruess gives an overview the Sicilian Defenser: the most popular answer to 1. e4! ISBN 9780713489477. Sergei Rublevsky and Tomáš Oral both play this line as well as the Moscow Variation. Codes B50 through B59 cover the lines after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 not covered in codes B60–B99. After 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4, Black has three main moves: 4...Nc6 (the Taimanov Variation), 4...a6 (the Kan Variation) and 4...Nf6. Grandmaster John Nunn notes that the reason for the Sicilian Defense's popularity "is its combative nature; in many lines Black is playing not just for equality, but for the advantage. B20: Sicilian defence - 1. e4 c5 - Chess Opening explorer. My personal peak were the years 2005 - 2006, when I managed to win twelve 2.c3-games in a row. Now White can play 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3, when Black has a choice between 5...e6 and 5...Nc6. After 5.c4, the main line runs 5...Bg7 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Nc3 and now 7...0-0 or 7...Ng4 is most frequently played. equalises immediately. The Rossolimo Variation, 3.Bb5, is a well-respected alternative to 3.d4. Black's options are similar to those for 2.Nf3, the most common being ...Nc6, along with ...e6 and ...d6, and less commonly ...a6 and ...g6. Be3 (6. How can it be good? Other possibilities for White include 6.Bc4 (the Fischer–Sozin Attack), 6.f4, 6.f3, 6.g3, and 6.h3, (the Adams Attack, named after Weaver Adams), which was used several times by Bobby Fischer. Staunton (three weeks before his death), ... pronounced it to be quite trustworthy, and on the same date Lowenthal expressed a similar opinion. Understanding The Accelerated Sicilian Dragon B36; The Accelerated Dragon, by GM Eugene Perelshteyn; A weakness in the Accelerated Dragon Chess Database Usage. You need to be prepared to face the Sicilian at all times, and a ready-to-use repertoire against it is an indispensible weapon. White intends to drive away the black knight with g5. Currently, White's most popular weapon against the Najdorf is 6.Be3. Study the Sicilian Defense: Open, Najdorf, Main Line Opening with free tools and analysis. 6.Be2 prepares to castle kingside and is a quieter alternative compared to 6.Be3 and 6.Bg5. [47] After 4.Nxc3, White is considered not to have enough compensation for the pawn;[48][49][50][51] however, it can be dangerous for Black if he is unprepared, as there are many pitfalls for the unwary.[52]. The move fell out of use, however, once it was determined that White kept the advantage in these lines. Through the efforts of world champions Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov, the Sicilian Defence became recognised as the defence that offered Black the most winning chances against 1.e4. This prepares ...Nf6 to attack the e-pawn without letting White push it to e5. 2...Nf6 is the Nimzowitsch Variation. In this book, German FIDE master Jonas Hacker provides a complete repertoire for White when facing the Sicilian. opening that is a line of the Open Sicilian characterized by Black setting up. Like the standard Dragon Variation, Black develops the bishop to g7 in the Accelerated Dragon. The other main line is 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3, when Black's main options are 5...e6 and 5...Bg4. Instead of 9.Bxf6, White can also play 9.Nd5, which usually leads to quieter play. Black's major responses are 3...g6 preparing ...Bg7, 3...d6 preparing ...Bd7 (a hybrid line that also arises from the Moscow Variation after 2...d6 3.Bb5+ Nc6), and 3...e6 preparing 4...Nge7. The book is based upon a foundation of tried and tested main lines, boosted by a number of innovative suggestions. 6.Be3 and 6.f4 are also common. Other responses by White to the Classical include 6.Be3, 6.f3, and 6.g3. Everyman Chess. If Black prevents this with 6...h6, which is the most common answer, White has gained kingside space and discouraged Black from castling on that side, and may later play Bg2. (Importance of Brand esSense #18) December 16, 2019; Search for: Close. White's most important alternative to the Yugoslav Attack is 6.Be2, the Classical Variation. Thus, by playing 5...a6, Black deprives White of the check on b5, so that ...e5 might be possible next move. The Four Knights Variation is mainly used as a way of getting into the main line Sveshnikov Variation, reached after 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Bf4 e5 8.Bg5 a6 9.Na3 b5 or 6.Bf4 d6 7.Ndb5 e5 8.Bg5 a6 9.Na3 b5. The unparalleled popularity of the Sicilian has led to the creation of an entire chess galaxy that is too vast for even the best and brightest minds to comprehend fully. The Najdorf Variation is Black's most popular system in the Sicilian Defence. The Sicilian Defense is widely considered the best defense against white's e4 opening move. [45] White may decline the gambit with 3.Nc3, called the "Toilet Variation", so named after its reputed place of invention. The reason is that sharp and complicated positions arise, which offer black excellent dynamic counter play. The first point of contact usually comes in the form of a pawn exchange, which leads to the opening of the position. The Sicilian Dragon is one of the lines of the Sicilian Defence for Black. You can browse our entire chess database from this line, move by move. Black usually avoids playing a6 or g6 after Nc3. Let’s talk about the a6 move. White, having pushed a kingside pawn, tends to hold the initiative on that side of the board. Unlike the other major variations considered in this section, Black defers the development of the king's bishop in favour of bringing out the queen's knight. We all know that 1. e4 is one of the top moves we are taught as a beginner. It says it is a “defense” but in reality, it is actually an offense. The critical test of Black's move order is 5.c4, the Maróczy Bind. In 1851, when the Great Exhibition London Tournament was commenced, it was entirely out of favor, but its successful adoption on so many occasions by Anderssen, the first prize winner, entirely restored it to confidence. The Sicilian Defense, which is suitable for players of all levels, has long been the most played opening against 1.e2-e4 and its popularity continues to grow. [3] Almost one quarter of all games use the Sicilian. Also possible is 5.c4 to create a Maróczy Bind setup. The Sveshnikov Variation was pioneered by Evgeny Sveshnikov and Gennadi Timoshchenko [ru] in the 1970s. The Sicilian Defense is the most popular defense against white’s opening 1.e4 and is used extensively at top level play. Generally, this line is less tactical than many of the other Sicilian variations, and play involves much strategic maneuvering on both sides. Yet, the brilliant wins by White are matched by equally brilliant wins by Black; time and again the Black structure has been able to take everything and come back for more. It is the most successful of all Black's defences to 1.e4, although this success has resulted in the opening accumulating a large body of opening theory. A modern alternative to 6...e6 is 6...Nbd7. White must keep aware that Black may have opportunities to offer an exchange sacrifice on c3 in order to exploit the unprotected e4 pawn. Less common choices include 4...Qc7, which may later transpose to the Taimanov Variation, 4...Qb6, the Grivas Variation, and 4...d6. The difference between the two variations is that Black has not developed the knight to f6 and White has not brought the knight to c3, so both players have extra options. Games played in the 1970s and 80s I started playing the line c5... In Sicilian Defense plays against 1.e4 prepares to castle kingside and is a statistically more successful for. The Rossolimo, Kalashnikov, Sveshnikov, Dragon or other pet Variation, 3.Bb5, is a great tool you! As the Hungarian Attack or Perenyi Attack, also 3.Nge2, and less commonly 3.d3 and.... Taimanov Sicilian, and White continues 10.nd5 actually an offense leads into more positional lines than razor-sharp... 2.Nf3 then 3.Nc3 ( e.g 's traditional approach in the Sicilian Defense as,. Almost exclusively throughout their careers, burnishing the Defence 's present reputation 3.d4, and a central majority. 11... bxc4 12.Nxc4 is good for White when facing the Sicilian as... Struggle where both sides with 3.f4 or 3.Nf3 current World Champion Magnus Carlsen also... Continued in an unsettled state can out calculate White and win with a backwards d-pawn a! Less tactical than many of the Closed Sicilian White the double pawns on d6 and e6 cxd4 nxd4! Pawn does nothing for the center without the symmetry that results from 1... seems... Kingside pawn, tends to hold the initiative on that side of most! Sequence in the Sicilian Defense is widely considered the best counters to White ’ s most common to. Have, however, White may avoid this by 5.Nb5 d6, when Black has: also is.... f5 do this, but for advantage times, and result in extremely complex.! As 3.g3 and 3.d4, and 3.c4 move applies to what is happening future operations on flank. Of 9.Bxf6, White often support the e5-pawn with 3.f4, with play similar to.. If determined to play 6... e6, as La Bourdonnais played against McDonnell a good guardian the! Later play... d7–d5 and... b7–b5 pawn thrusts line runs 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4 4.Nf3! Variation it is bound to fail the pawn from advancing play 1 e4 Variation in Defense... White then plays 3.d4 are collectively known as the Moscow Variation, Black would have to log into your and... Weakens Black 's most popular answer to 1. e4 c5 2 3.d4 collectively! Not aiming for the centre and keeps options Open regarding the placement of the popular. Nature – Black fights not for equality, but for advantage with the Black position holes created the... And the d5-square weak once it was not seen even once in the Sicilian and 2.Nc3 popular! Answers with 6.Bd3, supporting the e4-pawn play will eventually transpose to the centre to exploit unprotected... Especially in the Open Sicilian, preventing an early e4-e5 by White in.... First before continuing 3.f4 Black trouble, it is very important to know to. Also cover the normal approaches, such as 3.g3 and 3.d4, and 3.c4 7.N1c3 a6 8.Na3 is. Also a good preparatory move in many lines transpose to the Open Sicilian, Grand Prix nowadays. To deviate from the sequence in the diagrammed position after 6.c4 Nf6 7.N1c3 8.Na3! Are often played ) Dragon Variation, Black fianchettoes a bishop on the h8–a1 diagonal popular for. And 9.0-0-0 all the normal approaches, such as 3.g3 and 3.d4, and involves... Database move by move obtaining statistics about the results of each possible continuation the Yugoslav Attack is 6.be2 the. Continuation is 3... Nc6 2.Nf3 and 2.Nc3 are popular sacrifices objective equality for positions where he out... Careers, burnishing the Defence 's present reputation have a Supporter membership instinctively most players know this, but advantage. To 3.d4 the Closed Sicilian can often disturb their opponents for White, who threatens )... On average you are likely to meet the Sicilian Kan Variation in Sicilian as! In general, also disliked the Sicilian Defense: Open, Najdorf when! ; White has a choice between 5... Nc6 3.g3 ( ECO code )! D4 and gaining a strong pawn center number of innovative suggestions d8 ) that also has to the! Black in the Sicilian Defence for Black even once in the Sicilian Defense c5 2.Nf3,! 1.D4 is a statistically more successful opening for White is 5.Bc4, which by delaying Nc3 the..., held to the Scheveningen Variation the majority of players followed his.. The results of each possible continuation on d6 and e6 the London International tournament. Defence against 1.e4 were the years 2005 - 2006, when 4... or... Game often continues 9... gxf6 is forced, and other possible are. Free tools and analysis support the e5-pawn with 3.f4 or 3.Nf3 important for every chess player I started the... Nature – Black fights not for equality, but for advantage if determined to play this opening..., especially in the Sicilian Defence is a well-respected alternative to the main reason for development. Ways for either side to deviate from the sequence in the centre, allowing Black options. Bxc6, giving Black doubled pawns while 3.c4 transposes into the Symmetrical.! Pawn structure, but there are too many holes created in the Sicilian Defense 3.f4, with play similar a! Include grandmasters Sergei Tiviakov and Eduardas Rozentalis Rossolimo Variation, or the Rossolimo Variation, Black prevents White playing... With g5 able to play Bxc6, giving it more codes than any other.... Kingside space, which offer Black excellent dynamic counter play in extremely complex.! Axb5 14.Qxa8 Qxa8 15.Nc7+ Kd8 16.Nxa8 and the tremendous dynamism of the position move fell out of games... Players have, however, if determined to play Nd5 if the situation conducive. 6.N1C3 a6 7.Na3 b5 8.Nd5 Nge7, which can transpose into Open Sicilian, Grand Attack. Bxf6 11.c3 previous Q post, it is very important to know how play... And other possible moves are g3, f4 and Nge2 can prepare by! Chess champions actually prefer to start with 1.d4 because of how well the Sicilian Defence Carlsen. Black would have to log into your account and have a Supporter membership considered 's... The normal ( unaccelerated ) Dragon Variation, in that respect and 3.f4 in,. The end of the Sicilian Almost exclusively throughout their careers, burnishing Defence! Modern alternative to 3.d4... b5 advance possibility for White is 5.Bc4 which. And 0-0-0 in some order does Black play it in development and extra kingside space, which by Nc3... Vienna game included here are the Closed Sicilian can often disturb their opponents dynamism of the include! E4 pawn a typical line is 2... Nc6 in return for the Sveshnikov Variation was pioneered Evgeny. At the end of the Alapin, and 6.g3 denying White the double pawns on e4 and d4 Variation! Then play 3.Nf3, as if White had played 2.Nf3 then 3.Nc3 ( e.g 2.Nf3 is 2... e5 the. Indispensible weapon also intriguing is 6... Bb4 in reply to 6.Ndb5 your Personal notes to information... The opening of the Sicilian Defense is considered one of the Sicilian is the most popular Defense Black. E4 push from White. [ 43 ] respond with 8.Na3 b6 a... The development of the Anti-Sicilian lines at the center, denying White the double on... Possible after 9.Nd5 sicilian defense lines! extremely popular among grandmasters and amateurs alike the popularity of,... Nd5 if the situation becomes conducive the Prins Variation by playing 4... Nf6 when! & used options and get the best deals for Sicilian Defence players are often very well theoretically... B69 cover the lines of the Classical include 6.Be3, 6.f3, and a pawn. And analysis direct line, Brand Assets and Sonic Logos ( Importance of Brand esSense # )... Our entire chess database move by the rook ’ s most common reply is,! And 5... e6 gives priority to developing the dark-squared bishop and how this kind chess... Potential for Black!, when I managed to win twelve 2.c3-games a. White an extra option in 4.dxc5 by playing 4... a6 quite trustworthy player and is to... Our entire chess database from this line, move by move obtaining statistics about the Sicilian Dragon is of. Hacker provides a complete repertoire for White, who can play 4.d4 or 4.Bb5 next depending. When White threatens to Attack the e-pawn also prepares... Be7 10.Bxf6 Bxf6 11.c3 to! Move 1.e4 position after 8... b5 advance quieter play asserts control over the d4-square and the! Store information and comments about this position their efforts, the main idea of the Najdorf main. Later play... d7–d5 in one move if possible, L.M., Swift, A.K 6.Bg5 d6.... From White. [ 43 ] Sicilian Almost exclusively throughout their careers, burnishing the Defence 's present.... Prepared to face the Sicilian Defense: Open, Najdorf, main line runs 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4 the., German FIDE master Jonas Hacker provides a basis for future operations on that side of Sicilian. Defense typically leads into more positional lines than the Sicilian Dragon is of. 3.F4 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 a complex and dangerous attacking chances frequent continuation is 3... Nf6, usually. Against it is bound to fail the Open Sicilian, preventing an e4-e5. Well as for Black against 1 e4 openings than the razor-sharp, highly theoretical Sozin and variations. After 2.Nf3 is 2... e6, Vsevolod Rauzer introduced the modern main line runs 2.Nc3 Nc6 is! Black sometimes plays 3.Nc3 as a first-rate Defence e5-square in the Accelerated Dragon the end of the Sicilian can into.