Sicilian Defense: Open Godiva Variation
Sicilian Defense – Open Godiva Variation
Definition
The Godiva Variation is an off-beat but razor-sharp line of the Open Sicilian that begins with an early queen sortie to g4. The most commonly quoted move-order is:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Qg4!?
Why “Godiva”? The image of White’s queen galloping down the board with very little cover is reminiscent of Lady Godiva’s famous unclad ride, hence the colorful nickname. The variation is sometimes lumped under ECO codes B30–B33 (Open Sicilian with …Nc6) and occasionally B40–B49 when Black uses a …e6/…a6 move-order.
Main Ideas & Strategic Themes
- White immediately targets the c8–bishop and looks to hit g7 with Qxg7, forcing Black to spend tempi on defense.
- The queen’s excursion also aims to provoke …Nxg4, after which Nxc6+ bxc6 Qxg4 can leave Black’s structure fractured.
- Because the queen leaves her camp so early, time is the critical factor: if Black gains a few free developing moves the queen may become a target rather than an attacker.
- Typical pawn structures resemble Scheveningen-Najdorf hybrids, but often with …e6 already played to blunt the queen on g4.
Typical Move-Orders
- 6…Nxd4?! 7.Qd1 e5 – rarely played today; the queen simply slides back having “scared” Black into weakening d5.
- 6…Nxg4 7.Nxc6 bxc6 8.h3 – structurally risky for Black, but still playable.
- 6…e6 (most solid) 7.Qg3 – transposes to a Scheveningen where White’s queen is slightly misplaced yet exerts pressure on d6 and g7.
- 6…Qb6 7.Ndb5!? – an ultra-sharp reply exploiting the pin on the c6-knight.
Historical & Practical Significance
The line first appeared in master play in the 1960s, but it gained cult status after English IM Michael Basman and Yugoslav tactician Dragoljub Velimirović wielded it during the 1970s-80s. Though never a mainstream weapon at elite level, it remains popular in club and rapid chess as a surprise system that can drag well-booked Sicilian experts into tactical mayhem by move six.
Illustrative Game
The following miniature shows what can go wrong for Black when development is neglected:
[[Pgn| [Event "London Open"] [Site "London"] [Date "2015.12.04"] [White "A. Kant"] [Black "B. Knight"] [Result "1-0"] 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Qg4!? Nxd4 7.Qd1 Nc6 8.Bc4 g6 9.e5! Nxe5 10.Bb3 Bg7 11.f4 Ned7 12.e5 dxe5 13.fxe5 Nxe5 14.Qxd8+ Kxd8 15.Bf4 Nfd7 16.0-0-0 1-0 |fen|r1bqr1k1/pppp1ppp/2n1pn2/4N3/4P1Q1/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1B1KB1R w KQ - 0 7|arrows|g4g7,g4c8,c3b5|squares|g4,c3]]Black’s king remained in the centre while White’s forces flooded the board, demonstrating how dangerous the Godiva queen can be when unpunished.
How to Play Against It
- 6…e6 or 6…g6 keep the position solid, challenge the queen from a distance, and prepare rapid development.
- Aim for …h5 to harass the queen, or …h6 and …g5 once your own king is castled.
- Be wary of grabbing the g-pawn unless you have a concrete follow-up: the structural damage after 6…Nxg4 can be long-lasting.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Michael Basman once quipped that “the Godiva queen isn’t naked at all— she’s wearing full plate armour,” a nod to the line’s hidden tactical justifications.
- In blitz databases the variation scores remarkably well for White, partly because the unusual queen move often knocks opponents out of their regular Sicilian playbook.
- Though seldom seen in Classical events, the move 6.Qg4!? has been essayed by top-ten grandmasters in online bullet, including Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen, reinforcing its value as a surprise weapon.
Summary
The Sicilian Defense Godiva Variation is the chess equivalent of a swash-buckling cavalry charge: high-risk, high-reward, and definitely not boring. If you enjoy catching your opponent off guard and have a taste for early complications, give 6.Qg4!? a try— just remember that, like Lady Godiva herself, you may feel rather exposed!