English Opening: Reversed Sicilian Kramnik–Shirov

English Opening Reversed Sicilian Kramnik Shirov Counterattack

Definition

The English Opening Reversed Sicilian Kramnik–Shirov Counterattack is a sharp system in the English Opening that arises after 1. c4 e5 with a quick ...d5 strike by Black, most famously in the English Four Knights move order. The hallmark position typically comes from 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5!?, where Black immediately challenges the center. It’s called “Reversed Sicilian” because the structure and themes mirror Open Sicilian play, but with colors reversed (White has the extra tempo), and “Kramnik–Shirov” because Vladimir Kramnik and Alexei Shirov helped popularize this ambitious counter in elite events in the 1990s.

Why it matters

This counterattack is a critical antidote to many quiet, fianchetto-based English systems. Black sidesteps slow maneuvering and instead claims central space and activity right away. Theoretical status is solid: it’s one of Black’s most principled equalizing attempts against the Four Knights English with g3, and it frequently leads to lively positions with rich Counterplay.

Typical Move Orders

Main tabiya (English Four Knights, g3; the counterstrike on move 4):

1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5!?

• White’s main replies:
  • 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. Bg2 (natural development into an open, dynamic game)
  • 5. d4 exd4 6. Nxd4 (challenging the center directly)
  • 5. e3 (more solid, but cedes central tension to Black)
• Black’s setups after 5. cxd5 Nxd5 often include ...Bc5, ...0-0, ...Re8 with pressure on e4/d4 squares and an eye on the long diagonal against White’s fianchettoed king.

Model line (illustrative, not a forced sequence):

An alternative direct challenge by White:

These lines highlight the “open game” character that emerges quickly once Black plays ...d5, in contrast to slower English structures.

Strategic Ideas and Plans

Plans for White

• Fianchetto development: Bg2, 0-0, and rapid central consolidation with d3 (or d4 in one go if justified).
• Queenside expansion: a3, b4, Rc1, and sometimes Ne4 or Na4 to poke at Black’s c5–bishop and light squares.
• Control of key squares: e4 and d5 are critical. White aims to prevent ...e4 or ...d4 strikes that cramp the kingside.
• Exploiting the extra tempo typical of a “reversed” opening to secure a pleasant middlegame with space and piece activity.

Plans for Black

• Immediate central counterplay: ...d5 (the signature), followed by ...Bc5, ...0-0, ...Re8 to hit e4/d4 and discourage White’s central expansion.
• Piece pressure before structure: Deploy pieces actively to challenge White’s harmonious setup; don’t allow a free hand on the queenside.
• Potential pawn breaks: ...e4 (to gain space and clamp White’s kingside), or ...d4 (to cramp White’s queenside/minor pieces) when tactically sound.
• Typical regrouping: ...a5, ...h6, ...Be6, ...Qe7, sometimes ...Rd8 targeting the d-file after exchanges.

Key Themes, Tactics, and Pitfalls

• Tempo matters: Because this is a reversed Sicilian structure, tempo counts. If Black’s ...d5 timing is off, White can consolidate and enjoy a stable edge.
• Pressure on e4: Black’s ...Re8–...Bc5–...Qe7 motifs often prepare ...e4. White must coordinate knights and the fianchettoed bishop to keep e4 under control.
• Loose pieces drop off: With so many piece-to-piece attacks, LPDO is a recurring danger for both sides, especially on c3/c4/c5 and e4/e5 squares.
• Diagonal tactics: The a7–g1 and a2–g8 diagonals open quickly. Tactics against the fianchettoed king (Bg2/…Bg7 lines) are common.

Small tactical motif (illustrative arrows):

Idea highlight: Black eyes ...e4 while maintaining pressure along the c5–b6 diagonals; White maneuvers Ne4–c5 or Be3–c5 to trade off Black’s activity.

Historical Notes and Naming

The counterattack gained prominence in the mid-1990s when Vladimir Kramnik and Alexei Shirov used the ...d5 thrust as Black to combat the English Four Knights with g3, energizing the theoretical debate around 1. c4 e5 systems. Their games helped establish the idea that Black need not accept a slow, maneuvering battle in the English; instead, Black can seize the initiative—hence the label “Kramnik–Shirov Counterattack.”

From an ECO perspective, these positions are most commonly cataloged under A28–A29 (English Opening, Four Knights), where the early ...d5 is a major theoretical fork in the road.

Illustrative Examples

Open-center model (after 5. cxd5 Nxd5)

Features: Both sides develop rapidly; Black pressure on e2/e4 meets White’s queenside space. Typical trades on c5/d4 reset the tension.

Direct central clash (5. d4 lines)

Features: Earlier piece contact; Black aims to complete development fast and leverage open lines before White’s extra tempo becomes telling.

Practical Advice

• For White:
  • Choose between 5. cxd5 and 5. d4 based on style: cxd5 leads to a flexible open game; d4 is sharper and more forcing.
  • Don’t allow an unprepared ...e4. Keep a knight, bishop, or pawn ready to hit the e4 square, and consider Re1/Qc2 setups to restrain Black.
  • Use your “reversed Sicilian” tempo: rapid development and queenside expansion can squeeze Black if the center stabilizes.
• For Black:
  • Play ...d5 with intent. If White avoids cxd5, be ready for ...d4 or maintaining the tension with sound development.
  • Coordinate ...Bc5, ...Re8, and a timely ...Qe7 to create real threats on e4/d4—this is the heart of the counterattack.
  • In faster time controls, this surprise weapon scores well thanks to its clarity of plan and tactical shots. Study a few concrete move orders to avoid a “Trap”.

Evaluation and Theory Snapshot

Modern Engine eval generally assesses the Kramnik–Shirov Counterattack as fully playable for Black—often around equality—if Black times ...d5 accurately and develops with purpose. It is a mainline choice in serious Theory and remains a practical weapon at all time controls.

• Pros for Black:
  • Active piece play from move 4; avoids slow maneuvering
  • Direct pressure on central dark squares and e4
  • Good surprise value against English specialists
• Pros for White:
  • Extra tempo from the “Colors reversed” setup
  • Healthy development and queenside space in many lines
  • Multiple reasonable plans (cxd5 or d4) to steer the game

Common Misconceptions

• “It’s just equal and boring.” In practice, positions get sharp quickly; there are many tactical chances for both sides.
• “White must play 5. cxd5.” White can also play 5. d4, and even slower setups with 5. e3/5. d3 remain viable, each with distinct middlegame themes.

Related Terms and Further Study

• See also: English Opening, Colors reversed, Book, Home prep, Engine eval, Trap
• Explore sibling English systems: Four Knights without g3, and lines with early d4.
• Study model games by top players who employ 4...d5!? as a dynamic equalizer in the English.

Quick Reference: PGN Snippets

Core tabiya:

Open line, rapid development:

Central clash line:

Interesting Facts

• ECO classification commonly falls under A28–A29 (English Four Knights), with 4...d5!? as a key branch.
• As a “reversed” system, small move-order nuances have outsized effects—both sides should be alert for transpositions.
• At the club level, catching opponents with the unexpected ...d5 thrust can yield immediate practical advantages.