Sicilian: O'Kelly Variation, Normal System, Taimanov Line
Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation
Definition
The O'Kelly Variation is a branch of the Sicilian Defense that begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6. The early pawn move to a6—normally seen a few moves later in Najdorf-type structures—introduces a unique, move-order–based opening aimed at limiting White’s options and keeping Black’s plans flexible.
Typical Move Order
After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 a6, the most common continuations are:
- 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5 (or 4…Nf6) leading to Scheveningen-style setups.
- 3.c3 transposing to an Alapin where …d5 can be played in one move.
- 3.Nc3 e6 4.d4 (or 4.g3) when both players remain in unexplored territory.
Strategic Ideas
- Move-order trickery: By playing 2…a6 immediately, Black tries to sidestep heavily analysed main lines such as the Open Sicilian with 2…d6 or 2…Nc6.
- Waiting for commitment: The a6 pawn discourages pieces from landing on b5 and leaves Black free to choose between …e6, …d6 or …g6 depending on White’s reply.
- Transpositional potential: The game can transpose to elements of the Scheveningen, Kan, or even Najdorf while preserving the useful …a6 inclusion.
Historical Background
Named after Belgian Grandmaster Albéric O’Kelly de Galway, who first employed it regularly in the late 1940s. Although never as popular as the Najdorf, the variation has been tried by elite players such as Viktor Korchnoi, Nigel Short, and more recently Alexander Motylev.
Representative Game
Albéric O’Kelly de Galway – Max Euwe, Amsterdam 1950. O’Kelly demonstrated that the line could hold its own against a former World Champion, drawing a complex middlegame with opposite-wing chances.
Interesting Facts
- Because 2…a6 does not fight for the centre, many theoreticians initially dismissed the line; computer engines now show it to be fully playable.
- In several correspondence databases, the O’Kelly scores better for Black than the mainstream Najdorf at lower Elo ranges, largely due to surprise value.
- O’Kelly himself used the move as a psychological weapon, saying he enjoyed “…making White think for himself on move three.”
Normal System (King’s Indian Defence)
Definition
The term Normal System refers to one of the most straightforward ways for White to meet the King’s Indian Defence. Instead of the aggressive Four-Pawn Attack or the positional Fianchetto, White develops pieces naturally with Nf3 and Be2, castles, and delays a central pawn advance.
Canonical Move Order
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. e3 O-O 5. Be2 d6 6. O-O.
Key Features
- Solid Structure: White’s early e3 guards d4 and keeps the dark-squared bishop inside the pawn chain.
- Flexibility: After castling, White can choose between plans with Nc3 and e4 (classical central push) or cxd5 and Nc3 (more symmetrical).
- Reduced Theory: Because the Normal System shuns the sharp Mar del Plata main lines, it appeals to players who want to out-play rather than out-memorise.
Strategic Considerations
- Space vs. Time: White concedes some central space but gains ease of development. Black usually counters with …e5 or …c5.
- Minor-Piece Battles: The fight often revolves around who can improve their bad bishop; for White, the c1-bishop often emerges via b2 after b3.
- Endgame Prospects: Pawn structures resemble the Queen’s Gambit Declined, giving White long-term pressure on the d-file.
Historical Notes
The system flourished in the 1960s thanks to Vassily Smyslov and Yefim Geller. Its reputation improved when World Champion Anatoly Karpov adopted it to sidestep Kasparov’s King’s Indian preparation in their 1984 title match.
Example Snapshot
After 6…c5 7.Nc3, a typical middlegame might feature:
- White pieces: Queen on d1, rooks on d1 and f1, knight on f3, bishop pair on e2 and c1 (or b2).
- Black pieces: Queen on c7, rook on e8, knight on f6, bishop on g7 eyeing d4.
Interesting Facts
- The ECO codes E90-E91 label games “King’s Indian, Normal System,” underscoring its role as the baseline from which sharper branches diverge.
- Because of its symmetrical nature, many scholastic coaches recommend the Normal System as a reliable first repertoire against the King’s Indian.
- Fabiano Caruana used it in the 2018 Candidates Tournament to defeat Alexander Grischuk, proving it can still create winning chances at the highest level.
Taimanov Line (Sicilian Defence)
Definition
The Taimanov Line, more formally the Sicilian Defence: Taimanov Variation, arises after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6. Named after Soviet Grandmaster Mark Taimanov, the line is known for its flexible pawn structure and piece play.
Main Move Order
Typical sequence:
- 5.Nc3 Qc7 – Black prepares …a6 and keeps multiple options for the dark-squared bishop.
- 6.Be3 a6 – The “modern” setup, often transposing to Scheveningen themes with …d6.
Strategic Themes
- Low Pawn Commitment: Unlike the Najdorf or Scheveningen, Black delays …d6, allowing …d5 in one move if conditions permit.
- Queenside Expansion: The pawn pair …a6–…b5 can appear quickly, challenging White’s minor pieces.
- Central Tension: White must decide between the aggressive English Attack (Be3, f3, Qd2, 0-0-0, g4) or more positional lines with g3 or Be2.
Historical Significance
Mark Taimanov introduced the variation in the 1950s and used it to score several upset wins in Soviet Championships. The line reached peak popularity in the 1980s when Garry Kasparov and Ivan Sokolov used it as a surprise weapon.
Model Game
Kasparov – van der Sterren, Tilburg 1989. Kasparov unleashed the sharp 7.Qd2 and castled long, but Black’s timely …Nf6 and …Bb4 kept the game in balance before a tactical middlegame eruption led to a dynamic draw.
Typical Middlegame Position
After 7.Qd2 Nf6 8.0-0-0 Bb4 9.f3 d5!, the board features:
- Black: Pawns on c5, d5, e6, a6; bishops on b4 and f8; open c-file for major pieces.
- White: Space advantage and kingside pawn storm potential, but an exposed king on c1.
Interesting Facts
- The Taimanov often transposes into the Paulsen or Kan depending on whether Black plays …d6 or …a6 first, giving it enormous move-order ambiguity.
- Taimanov’s own peak rating, , was achieved largely with this line as Black.
- In the 2014 World Championship match, Magnus Carlsen used a Taimanov-inspired setup (…e6, …Nc6, …Qc7) against Viswanathan Anand in rapid tiebreak preparations, though it never appeared over the board.