Sicilian Defense: Mengarini Variation

Sicilian Defense: Mengarini Variation

Definition

The Sicilian Defense: Mengarini Variation arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. a3!?. Named after Italian problem composer and master Onorio Mengarini (1891-1971), the line is an off-beat attempt by White to sidestep the reams of Sicilian theory, prepare a rapid b2-b4 “Wing Gambit” thrust, and create original middlegame structures. It is also known in some older sources as the Snyder or Kadas Variation.

Typical Move Order & Basic Ideas

The key positional points behind 2. a3 are:

• Preparing b4: The pawn on a3 supports b4 without allowing Black to reply ……cxb4 followed by ……a5.
• Flexibility: White keeps the central pawn structure fluid and can transpose into a number of setups: a delayed Wing Gambit, an Open Sicilian with d4, or even a Closed Sicilian if Nc3 and g3 follow.
• Psycho-logical weapon: It drags the opponent out of book on move two, forcing independent thought right away.

Strategic Themes

• Queenside space: After b4 White tries to seize space on the queenside and undermine Black’s c5-pawn, sometimes sacrificing a pawn for rapid development.
• Central tension: Because White has not yet committed to d4, Black must decide whether to strike in the center with …d5 or continue normal development with …Nc6 and …e6.
• Piece play: Knights often land on c3 and f3, bishops on b2 and g2, echoing Closed Sicilian structures but with an extra a-pawn already advanced.

Popular Black Replies

1. 2…Nc6 – Classical development; White commonly continues 3. b4, 3. Nf3, or 3. d3.
2. 2…d5 – An immediate strike in the center. After 3. exd5 Qxd5 Black equalises quickly but concedes the queen sortie.
3. 2…g6 – Heading for a Dragon-type structure where the a3-pawn is only modestly useful for White.

Illustrative Mini-Line

One of the most thematic continuations:

After 6…Qxd5 Black regains the pawn, yet White often claims compensation through rapid development: Nc3, Nf3, Be2, 0-0, and the queen on d5 can become a target.

Historical Significance

While never a mainstream choice at the top level, the Mengarini Variation has periodically surfaced whenever a creative player sought to surprise a well-booked opponent. Notable advocates include IM Michael Basman and GM Bent Larsen, both famous for experimental openings.

Famous & Instructive Games

• Larsen – Stein, Moscow 1971 (simultaneous) – Larsen employed 2. a3 to avoid Stein’s home preparation. The game transposed to a dynamic middlegame where Larsen’s queenside space gave him lasting pressure.
• Basman – Savage, British Championship 1980 – Demonstrates the gambit line 2…Nc6 3.b4!? cxb4 4.axb4 d5 5.b5 where White sacrifices a pawn but keeps Black’s king in the center.

Practical Tips

• Be ready to meet an early …d5. Study the resulting queen-exchange lines to ensure you retain an initiative.
• If Black avoids …cxb4, follow up with b4-b5 to cramp the c6-knight.
• Don’t over-extend: the a3-pawn does little for king safety; delaying kingside development can backfire against an alert opponent.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Onorio Mengarini was primarily a chess composer; his opening ideas were as unorthodox as the problems he published.
• Grandmaster Bent Larsen once quipped, “If you know what you are doing after 2.a3 you deserve to win,” highlighting both the surprise value and the practical risk.
• Because 2.a3 usually appears in beginners’ “no-book” games, engines initially scorn it (≈ +0.25 for Black). Yet in rapid and blitz, statistical databases show White scoring a respectable 50-52 %.

Relationship to Other Openings

The Mengarini can transpose into:

• The Wing Gambit (1.e4 c5 2.a3 Nc6 3.b4).
• A Closed Sicilian setup if White follows with Nc3, g3, Bg2.
• The Open Sicilian after a later d4, although the a-pawn on a3 slightly alters typical schemes.

Summary

The Sicilian Defense: Mengarini Variation is a provocative sideline that trades immediate central occupation for queenside expansion and surprise value. It is unlikely to refute the Sicilian, but in practical play it offers an excellent weapon for creative players who relish uncharted territory and are willing to back their understanding against an opponent’s theory files.