Reversed Sicilian: Definition & Themes
Reversed Sicilian
Definition
The term Reversed Sicilian (sometimes called the Inverted Sicilian or the King’s English Variation) describes any opening position in which White adopts, with an extra tempo, the type of set-ups Black normally employs in the Sicilian Defence. In practice it almost always arises from the English Opening after the moves 1. c4 e5, though other transpositions are possible.
Typical Move Order
The most direct route is:
- c4 e5
- Nc3 Nf6
- g3 d5 (or …Bb4, …Nc6, …c6)
Now after 4. cxd5 Nxd5, the position is strategically identical to an Open Sicilian—but roles are reversed and White enjoys an extra tempo. Other common branches include the “Rossolimo Reversed” (2. Nc3 Bb4) and the “Dragon Reversed” that appears after 1. c4 e5 2. g3 Nc6 3. Bg2 g6 4. Nc3 Bg7 5. e3 Nf6 6. Nge2 d6.
Strategic Themes
- Extra Tempo: Because the Sicilian is already dynamic for Black, giving those same structures to White with an extra move often turns typical Sicilian aggression into long-term positional pressure.
- Central Breaks: White commonly prepares d4 or f4 to open the position, mirroring thematic Sicilian pawn breaks …d5 or …f5.
- Flank vs. Centre: Black has occupied the centre early with …e5, so White’s c-pawn advance aims to undermine that centre from the flank—just as Black’s …c5 undermines e4 in the Sicilian.
- Piece Placement:
- White’s king bishop often fianchettoes on g2, echoing the “Dragon bishop.”
- Knights frequently manoeuvre via c3, f3, and sometimes e4 or d5, exploiting the d5 outpost created by c4.
- Rooks usually aim for the half-open c- or d-files once the position opens.
- Endgame Edge: If the middlegame fireworks subside, the extra tempo can be converted into a small but persistent endgame advantage—an angle that has appealed to many top grandmasters.
Historical and Theoretical Significance
The Reversed Sicilian gained prominence in the 20th century when leading players— notably Mikhail Botvinnik, Bobby Fischer, and later Garry Kasparov—looked for ways to seize the Sicilian’s dynamism without allowing Black the comfort of equal time. Botvinnik’s systematic treatment of the English laid the theoretical groundwork, and Fischer’s adoption of 1. c4 in critical World Championship cycle games underscored its practical power.
Illustrative Games
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Fischer – Petrosian, Buenos Aires (Candidates Final) 1971, Game 6
The American uncorked 1. c4 and steered the game into a Reversed Sicilian where his extra tempo turned a typical Najdorf structure into a crushing kingside attack.
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Kramnik – Topalov, Linares 1998
A model demonstration of the Dragon Reversed; Kramnik’s fianchettoed bishop and central break d4 netted a powerful initiative that he converted in the endgame.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Kasparov’s Secret Weapon: During his early 1980s rise, Garry Kasparov used the Reversed Sicilian in several training games against super-strong Soviet opponents, remarking that “I get all the Sicilian fun without being a tempo down.”
- Computer Preferences: Modern engines often give White +0.3 to +0.5 straight out of the opening— a clear sign of the value of that extra tempo in an already dynamic structure.
- Pedagogical Tool: Coaches sometimes flip the board when teaching Sicilian themes: first they show students an Open Sicilian, then a Reversed Sicilian, asking, “What changes when you have the extra move?” This exercise sharpens understanding of initiative and tempo.