Closed Sicilian Defense: Kharlov–Kramnik Line

Closed Sicilian Defense

Definition

The Closed Sicilian is a branch of the Sicilian Defence that arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2.Nc3 (or 2.Nf3 followed by 3.Nc3) when White declines the open central advance 3.d4. Instead, play usually develops quietly with g3, Bg2 and f2–f4, leading to slower, maneuvering positions and a kingside attacking plan.

Typical Move-Order

A common starting sequence is:

After move 6 the position is strategically rich but locked in the center, hence the term “Closed.”

Strategic Themes

• Kingside pawn storm: f2–f4–f5, g2–g4 and sometimes h2–h4-h5.
• Dark-square domination by White’s bishop on g2.
• Black counters with …e6 or …e5, queenside play (…b5, …a5) and piece pressure along the half-open c-file.

Historical Significance

Popularized in the 1960s–70s by Bent Larsen and later by Mikhail Tal, the Closed Sicilian offered an attractive, less theoretical alternative to Open Sicilian main lines. In the computer era, it remains topical at rapid and blitz time controls because it avoids early forcing theory.

Illustrative Game

Tal vs. Korchnoi, Candidates 1965:

Tal’s quick Bh6 traded dark-square bishops and paved the way for a classic sacrificial attack on h5 and f5.

Interesting Facts

• The structure is almost a mirror image of the King’s Indian, with colours reversed.
• Many 1.e4 players use the Closed Sicilian as a “weapon” in must-win situations because of its attacking potential.

Anti-Sveshnikov Variation (Rossolimo 3.Bb5)

Definition

The Anti-Sveshnikov is a practical sideline against the Sicilian Sveshnikov. Instead of entering the heavily analysed main line (3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5), White plays: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. This is also known as the Rossolimo Variation, but the term “Anti-Sveshnikov” highlights its usage specifically to dodge Black’s …e5 set-up.

Key Ideas

1. Quick kingside castling and pressure on the c6-knight.
2. The bishop trade (Bxc6) often inflicts structural damage (doubled c-pawns) on Black.
3. Flexible central plans: c3–d4, d3–c3, or the thematic e4–e5 thrust (see the Kharlov-Kramnik line below).

How It Is Used

Found in every rating bracket, the Anti-Sveshnikov is chosen by both pragmatic 1.e4 players who wish to sidestep deep theory and by elite grandmasters as an occasional surprise. Magnus Carlsen, for example, used 3.Bb5 successfully against Vachier-Lagrave in 2020 to outmaneuver one of the world’s premier Sveshnikov experts.

Typical Structures

• Isolated doubled c-pawns for Black after …dxc6 or …bxc6.
• IQP positions when White later plays d4 and Black recaptures with a pawn.
• Closed centre with e4–e5 where White clamps d6 and f6.

Example Miniature

Kasparov vs. Polgar, Linares 1997:

demonstrates how doubled c-pawns and kingside pressure can lead to a swift attack.

Interesting Tidbits

• The idea of 3.Bb5 was employed as early as 1885 by Louis Paulsen, well before the Sveshnikov itself was fully understood.
• Because it foils Black’s favorite …e5 break, Sveshnikov devotees often prepare separate Anti-Sveshnikov repertoires—an indication of the variation’s strategic sting.

Kharlov–Kramnik Line of the Anti-Sveshnikov

Definition

A specific sub-variation of the Anti-Sveshnikov arising after: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6 4.Bxc6⁺ bxc6 5.e5! The early pawn advance clamps the d6-square and gains space while leaving Black with a fractured queenside structure. It is named after Russian grandmasters Andrei Kharlov and Vladimir Kramnik, who both championed the idea in the 1990s.

Origin Story

The line first caught attention when the youthful Kramnik used it to outplay established grandmasters in the Moscow Open 1991. Kharlov, a noted theoretician, later added key refinements such as the quiet 6.O-O, cementing the variation’s practical reputation.

Main Branches after 5.e5

• 5…d5 6.h3 — White restrains …Bg4 and keeps the centre closed.
• 5…Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.exd6 en passant ideas destroy Black’s pawn structure even further.
• 5…f6 6.exf6 Nxf6 7.O-O leads to an unpleasant Isolani for Black.

Strategic Significance

• White fixes the pawn on d6 (after …d6-d5 is prevented or met by e5-e6). • Black’s doubled c-pawns (c6 & c5 or c6 & c7) are long-term targets. • The locked centre allows White to begin kingside operations with moves like Re1, d3, Nbd2-f1-g3.

Reference Game

Kramnik vs. Epishin, Russian Ch. 1993 [[Pgn| e4|c5|Nf3|Nc6|Bb5|d6|Bxc6+|bxc6|e5|d5|h3|e6|d3|Ne7|O-O|Ng6|Re1|Be7|c4|O-O|Nc3|f6|exf6|gxf6|Bh6| arrows|e5e6|squares|d6]] A model demonstration: after 22.Bh6 White exploited the dark squares and Black’s shattered pawn structure.

Practical Tips

• Do not rush d2–d4; keeping the centre closed enhances the space advantage.
• Watch for the thematic break f2–f4–f5 if Black castles kingside too early.
• If Black plays …Nh6–f5, be ready with g2–g4 or Nbd2-f1-g3 to kick the knight.

Anecdote

During a post-game press conference (Dortmund 1998), Kramnik joked that he liked the line because “Black’s structure looks as if someone built it with two left hands.” The quip stuck, and some Russian club players still refer to 5.e5 as “the left-handed system.”