Pelikan Variation (Sveshnikov) - Sicilian
Pelikan Variation
Definition
The Pelikan Variation is a dynamic branch of the Sicilian Defense arising after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5. Black immediately challenges White’s central knight, accepting a permanent hole on d5 in return for active piece play and rapid development. Historically, the line is also known as the Lasker–Pelikan Variation and, in modern theory, is closely associated with the Sveshnikov Variation (they share the same starting moves; “Sveshnikov” often refers to the contemporary mainlines and treatment).
How it is used in chess
The Pelikan (Sveshnikov) is employed by Black as a fighting weapon to unbalance the game from an early stage. After 5...e5, White’s most testing reply is 6. Ndb5, and typical play continues 6...d6 7. Bg5 a6 8. Na3 b5, when Black gains queenside space and challenges White to prove an advantage against Black’s structural concessions (a backward d6-pawn and the d5 outpost).
At the elite level, many players with White avoid allowing 5...e5 altogether by choosing the Rossolimo (2...Nc6 3. Bb5) or the Moscow (2...Nc6 3. Bb5+)—a testament to how resilient and well-analyzed the Pelikan/Sveshnikov has become.
Strategic themes
- The d5 outpost: By playing ...e5, Black leaves a permanent hole on d5. White aims to install a knight there (often after Nd5, Bxf6, c3, Nc2) and squeeze Black positionally.
- Activity and time: In compensation, Black gains tempi against the b5- and d5-knights, quick development, and queenside expansion with ...a6, ...b5, and often ...b4, targeting the c3-knight and the e4-pawn.
- Piece maneuvers: Black often plays ...Be6, ...Be7, ...0-0, ...Ne7 and then ...f5 to challenge White’s center. White frequently aims for c3, Nc2, Ne3, and solid control over d5 and c4, sometimes with a4 to slow ...b4.
- Structural imbalances: Black’s d6-pawn can be backward, and the light squares (d5, f5) can be tender. Conversely, White’s e4-pawn can become a target, and Black’s lead in development can generate initiative and tactics.
Typical move orders and main ideas
A common sequence is:
- Black’s plan: ...Be6, ...Bg5/Bg7 depending on setup, castle short, ...Ne7, ...Be6, ...Be7, ...f5, and queenside play with ...b4 to harass the c3-knight and reduce control of d5.
- White’s plan: Install a knight on d5, often exchange on f6 to reduce Black’s attacking potential, play c3 and Nc2 (sometimes Ne3), use a4 to restrain ...b4, and target the d6-pawn in the middlegame and endgame.
Historical notes
The variation bears the name of Jiří Pelikán (also spelled Pelikan; 1906–1986), a Czech–Argentine master who developed and championed 5...e5 in the mid-20th century. Emanuel Lasker had explored similar ideas earlier, which is why some sources use “Lasker–Pelikan.” In the 1970s, Evgeny Sveshnikov and Gennady Timoshchenko performed seminal work from Chelyabinsk, Russia, refining the entire complex; modern literature often labels the mainlines the Sveshnikov Variation. ECO codes commonly associated are B33–B34.
Famous examples
- Carlsen vs. Caruana, World Championship, 2018: Caruana repeatedly used the Sveshnikov as Black, notably in Game 1, to neutralize Carlsen’s 1. e4. These games showcased state-of-the-art preparation and the line’s durability at the highest level.
- Sveshnikov’s own praxis: Evgeny Sveshnikov scored many instructive wins with Black, demonstrating the power of ...b5–...b4 and the ...f5 break versus White’s d5-outpost plans.
Typical tactics and motifs
- ...b4 undermining: After ...b5, ...b4 kicks the c3-knight, loosening control over d5 and e4 and enabling central breaks.
- Exchange on f6: White’s Bxf6 can double Black’s f-pawns in some lines, but after ...gxf6 Black gains the half-open g-file and pressure on e4; modern mainlines often prefer ...Bxf6 to keep structure.
- ...f5 pawn break: Black’s thematic lever to challenge White’s center, opening lines for the pieces and fighting for e4/d5 squares.
- Knight tours: White’s Nd5–c3–e3 or Nd5–e3 ideas versus Black’s ...Ne7–g6–f4 or ...Ne7–d5 maneuvers highlight the battle for dark/light-square control.
Practical advice
- For Black: Know your move orders to avoid tactical shots on d6 and e5; be ready to play accurately against the Nd5 outpost and time ...b4 and ...f5 breaks precisely.
- For White: Don’t rush; consolidate the d5-outpost with c3, Nc2, and sometimes Ne3. Use a4 to restrain queenside counterplay and be alert to tactics against e4.
- Move-order nuance: The variation can also be reached via 2...Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 (sometimes called the Pelikan Deferred). Many White players choose the Rossolimo/Moscow to sidestep 5...e5 entirely.
Related terms
Interesting facts
- The Pelikan/Sveshnikov is one of the rare top-tier openings where a player voluntarily creates a permanent central hole (d5) very early—yet modern engines and practice show Black has excellent dynamic compensation.
- Its modern popularity surged after extensive computer-assisted preparation proved Black’s resources in numerous critical branches, culminating in its prominent role in the 2018 World Championship match.