Kramnik-Shirov, 3.Nd5 Bc5 | English Opening
English Opening: Kramnik-Shirov Counter-Attack
Definition
The Kramnik-Shirov Counter-Attack is a dynamic response to the Symmetrical English. It arises after:
1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 d5 !
By playing 3…d5 Black immediately strikes at the centre, breaking the symmetry and offering an open, tactical game instead of the slow, manoeuvring structures usually associated with the English Opening.
How it is used
- Thematic pawn lever: …d5 challenges White’s c- and e-squares before White has committed a pawn to d2–d4.
- Piece activity: After the likely exchange 4.cxd5 Nxd5, Black’s knight often hops to b4, c7 or f4, while the light-squared bishop can enter the game quickly via g4 or f5.
- Psychological weapon: The immediate central conflict surprises players expecting a quieter Symmetrical English; it was a favourite of both Vladimir Kramnik and Alexei Shirov in the 1990s, hence the name.
Strategic Significance
• Unbalancing attempt: Black accepts an isolated or hanging-pawn
structure after …exd5 or …cxd5 but gains rapid development.
• Open-file play: The half-open d- and sometimes
c- files appear early, giving both sides clear targets.
• Transpositional freedom: The line can transpose to Grünfeld-type
middlegames (after …g6) or Queen’s Gambit structures (after d2–d4).
Illustrative Game
V. Kramnik – A. Shirov, Linares 1994
Shirov’s 3…d5 led to a sharp middlegame with opposite-side castling; he eventually won after a kingside exchange sacrifice—an early showcase of the line’s fighting spirit.
Interesting Facts
- Although named for Kramnik and Shirov, its roots go back to early 20th-century games of Akiba Rubinstein.
- The ECO code range is A30–A32.
- Modern engines consider the position roughly equal, but over-the-board it often steers play away from heavily analysed mainlines.
3.Nd5 Bc5 in Double King-Pawn Games
Definition
The sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nd5 Bc5 is an off-beat variation that can arise from the Italian Game, the Ruy Lopez (before 3.Bb5), or the old Knight’s Opening. White’s third move puts a knight on d5 on move three, attacking f6 and c7, while Black replies 3…Bc5, calmly developing and defending the sensitive f2–square.
Usage
- For White: An attempt to sidestep tons of theory, provoke early imbalances, and possibly entice …Nf6? when Nxf6+ wins a pawn.
- For Black: 3…Bc5 follows the classical rule “develop a piece and ignore premature threats.” The bishop eyes f2 and prepares …Nf6, …d6, and rapid castling.
Strategic and Tactical Themes
- Centre vs. piece play: White often gains the pair of bishops after 4.Bc4 (threatening 5.d4) or 4.d4 exd4 5.Bf4, while Black relies on swift development.
- Early tension on c7: The c7-pawn is tactically weak if Black is careless, e.g. 4.c3 Nf6? 5.d4 exd4 6.Bg5 winning.
- Kingside pressure: The bishop on c5, combined with …Qf6 or …Qh4, can generate threats against f2 before White completes development.
Historical Context
The idea of 3.Nd5 dates back to the 19th-century open games of Lionel Kieseritzky. The specific counter 3…Bc5 became popular in correspondence chess during the 1970s, when deep tactical analysis showed Black’s defences to be sound. Today the line is a rare guest in elite events but an occasional surprise weapon in rapid & blitz.
Example Miniature
K. Springer – R. Pertz, Internet Blitz 2020
Black’s calm development paid off when the f2-target became decisive; White resigned on move 20 facing mate.
Interesting Tidbits
- The move 3.Nd5 is sometimes called the “Chigorin Jump,” though Chigorin never played it in tournament practice.
- Engines rate the position after 3…Bc5 about +0.20—playable for both sides but objectively balanced.
- Because it avoids the mainline Ruy Lopez, some club players use it as a pragmatic “anti-Spanish” weapon.