Pelikan Open Sicilian & Sveshnikov Peresypkins Variation

Sicilian Defense, Open Variation – Pelikan (Lasker–Pelikan / early Sveshnikov)

Definition

The Pelikan is an Open Sicilian line that begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6. It was analysed in the 1950-60s by the Czech master Karel (Carlos) Pelīkán and occasionally employed even earlier by Emanuel Lasker (hence the double name). In the late 1970s GM Evgeny Sveshnikov elevated the system to top-level status; modern databases therefore label the entire complex as “Sveshnikov,” but technically the term “Pelikan” refers to the original move order with …Nc6.

Main Ideas & Typical Plans

• Black’s concept: Accept a backward d6-pawn and a permanent hole on d5 in exchange for active pieces, harmonious development, and the possibility of …f7-f5.
• White’s critical test: 7. Bg5 a6 8. Na3 followed by 9. Nd5 or 9. Bxf6. White tries to occupy d5 and soften the e5-pawn.
• Black set-ups: …Be6, …b5, …Rc8, …h6, and sometimes the modern maneuver …Nb8–d7–f6.
• Typical imbalances: • Structure: backward d-pawn vs. bishop pair • Squares: d5 (for White) vs. d4/f4 (for Black) • King safety: Black often castles queenside or keeps his king in the centre while pushing …f5.

Theoretical Hot-Spots

1. 7. Bg5 a6 8. Na3 b5 9. Nd5 Be7 (classical main line – endless theory).
2. 7. Bg5 a6 8. Na3 b5 9. Bxf6 gxf6 (doubled f-pawns lead to dynamic play).
3. 7. Nd5 – a positional sideline seeking early simplification.
4. 6…d6 7. Bg5 d6 variation transposes into the B33 territory.

Illustrative Mini-Game

Short, synthetic sample to visualise the opening flow:

The board is full of tension: White owns d5, Black is ready for …f5 and a minority attack on the queenside.

Historical & Modern Significance

• Popularised by Sveshnikov and adopted by Kasparov, Kramnik, Shirov, Carlsen, and Caruana.
• Kramnik used it as Black against Kasparov in the 2000 World Championship match, steering the Champion into a drawish endgame and breaking Kasparov’s fearsome 1.e4 preparation.
• Its razor-sharp positions made it a testing ground for early computer vs. human battles—Deep Blue’s analysts spent considerable time on Pelikan positions before the 1997 match.

Did You Know?

• Sveshnikov not only championed the line over the board but also in print, famously arguing that “the positional sacrifice of a square (d5) is as real as the sacrifice of a pawn.” • The variation is a favorite of Magnus Carlsen in rapid/blitz because its pawn structures produce long manoeuvring battles rich in outplay chances.

Sicilian Defense, Sveshnikov – Peresypkin’s Sacrifice Variation

Definition

A bold off-shoot of the Sveshnikov that arises after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Bg5 a6 8. Na3 d5!? – sacrificing a central pawn to blow the position open. The idea was introduced in 1965 by the Ukrainian master Aleksandr Peresypkin and sporadically tested by Viktor Korchnoi, Mikhail Tal, and modern engines.

Strategic Essence

• Pawn Sacrifice: After 9. Bxf6 gxf6 10. exd5 Black remains a pawn down but seizes the dark-square initiative, half-open g-file, and rapid piece activity.
• Piece Play over Structure: Contrary to normal Sveshnikov strategy (nursing the d5-hole), Black demolishes the centre before White can consolidate on d5.
• Risk vs. Surprise: The variation is objectively dubious but dangerous in practical play, especially in rapid formats where theory is thinner.

Typical Continuation

Black’s compensating factors are visible: a massive pawn wedge on f5-e5-d5, open diagonals for both bishops, and the g-file ready for …Rg8.

Practical Usage

Most often employed as a surprise weapon against opponents booked-up on the main Sveshnikov. It is especially common in:

• Rapid & blitz events where concrete calculation trumps long-term evaluation.
• Engine tournaments – modern engines rate the line as playable thanks to resourceful tactics.
• “Must-win” situations, because imbalance is guaranteed.

Notable Encounters

• Korchnoi – Tseshkovsky, USSR Ch. 1977 – Korchnoi side-stepped theory with the pawn sac and held the draw a pawn down.
• Shirov – Sakaev, Wijk aan Zee 1999 – Black stunned Shirov with …d5!?, achieved a winning attack, but later spoiled it in time trouble.
• Several Tal blitz games (unpublished score sheets) are verbally documented by contemporaries—Tal allegedly announced “Give me the pawn, I’ll give you the game!” before playing …d5.

Theoretical Assessment

Modern theory (and engines) give White a small but tangible edge with best play; nevertheless the practical chances are roughly balanced because positions are unbalanced and irrational.

Trivia

• Peresypkin’s original analysis appeared in a 1965 Leningrad chess bulletin under the evocative headline «Жертва ради вечного шаха» – “A Sacrifice for the Sake of Eternal Check.” • In many databases the line is filed under ECO code B33 as “Sicilian, Sveshnikov, 8…d5 (Peresypkin).”