Sicilian Defense Paulsen Variation & Basman Defense
Sicilian Defense, Paulsen Variation
Definition
The Paulsen Variation is a flexible system within the Sicilian Defense that typically arises after the moves
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 followed by a quick …a6 and …Qc7 (or …Nc6). It is sometimes subdivided into two closely related branches: the Kan (…a6 without …Nc6) and the Taimanov (…Nc6 without …a6). Historically, however, Louis Paulsen used both …a6 and …Qc7 as early as the 1860s, so the umbrella term “Paulsen System” covers setups featuring
- …e6 (restraining White’s central pawns),
- …a6 (denying Nb5 and reserving the b-knight’s development),
- …Qc7 (supporting e5 and targeting the half-open c-file).
Typical Move-Order
A mainstream sequence is
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Be2 Nf6 7. O-O d6
Here Black keeps a low center, aims for …Nf6 and …b5, while deciding later whether the c-knight belongs on c6, d7, or even e7.
Strategic Themes
- Flexibility over Immediate Confrontation
Black’s pieces stay fluid; the missing pawn on d7 (still on its home square) means …d6 or …d5 can be chosen later. - Minor-Piece Placement
The g8-knight can reroute via e7–g6; the c8-bishop often lands on b7 after …b5 and …Bb7. - Pawn Structure
Because Black keeps both central pawns, hedging between …d6 and …d5, isolated pawn weaknesses are postponed. - c-File & Queen on c7
The queen eyes c2 and pressures the semi-open file behind the c-pawn exchange.
Historical Significance
Louis Paulsen (1833-1891), a German master famed for positional foresight, played this setup to blunt the romantic era’s gambiteers. Later, grandmasters such as Efim Geller, Paul Keres, and (more recently) Fabiano Caruana and Alireza Firouzja revived it as a sound, dynamic alternative to the heavily analysed Najdorf.
Illustrative Game
Caruana – Carlsen, Wijk aan Zee 2015
Caruana’s deep preparation forced Carlsen to defend an unpleasant endgame, underscoring the variation’s modern venom.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move …Qc7, unusual in many Sicilians, disguises Black’s intentions; even strong engines shuffle for a dozen moves before committing.
- Because the Paulsen often transposes, some databases list identical positions as “Kan,” “Taimanov,” or “Paulsen,” aggravating opening statisticians.
- Geller used the Paulsen to hand Bobby Fischer one of his few classical losses with White (Moscow 1962 Interzonal).
Basman Defense
Definition
The Basman Defense is the provocative reply 1. d4 g5!? (occasionally reached via 1. c4 g5 or even 1. Nf3 g5). Named after English IM Michael Basman, who championed off-beat flank counter-attacks, the move 1…g5 pushes a rook pawn two squares on move one—something orthodox theory labels “unsound” yet intriguingly double-edged.
How It Is Used
Black’s idea is startling simplicity: seize kingside space, discourage White from playing an early e4 by controlling f4, and lure the opponent into unfamiliar territory. It often transposes to:
- a Grob-style reversed fianchetto after …Bg7,
- Leningrad-type Dutch structures if …g5-g4 forces Nf3 and Black follows with …d6 and …Nf6,
- or pure chaos if White gambits the g-pawn (2. B×g5) and Black seeks rapid development via …c6, …Qb6.
Principal Variations
1. d4 g5 2. Bxg5 c5 (counter-saccing the c-pawn to hit d4) 1. d4 g5 2. e4 h6 3. h4 Bg7 (Basman’s “Spike” with colors reversed) 1. d4 g5 2. Nc3 Bg7 3. e4 c5 4. d5 d6 (Dutch-style center)
Strategic & Practical Considerations
- Kingside Space vs. King Safety
The pawn on g5 grants Black space but weakens f6 and h6. Castling short is rare; Black often castles long or keeps the king in the center. - Psychological Weapon
Most opponents burn early clock time; in rapid/blitz the surprise value alone yields decent results—even at master level. - Development Lag
If Black loses time re-defending the g-pawn, White can claim a central bind. Accurate counterplay (…Bg7, …c5, …Qb6) is essential.
Historical Notes
Michael Basman deployed 1…g5 throughout the 1970-90s British circuit, scoring upset wins against GMs Tony Miles and John Nunn. Although engines rate the move skeptically (≈ +0.9 for White), practical outcomes remain surprisingly balanced in blitz databases.
Famous Miniature
Miles – Basman, British League 1980
Basman’s tactical resourcefulness demolished Miles in 30 moves, an oft-quoted advert for the defense’s shock value.
Interesting Facts
- When Basman introduced 1…g5 in British junior coaching manuals, the national federation briefly banned it from scholastic events, fearing “bad influence” on developing players!
- In the age of online bullet chess, streamers label the line the “Basman Troll,” illustrating its enduring reputation as a fun, fighting choice.
- A quirky sideline is the Polish-Basman Hybrid: 1. d4 g5 2. Bxg5 c5 3. d5 b5!?, mixing ideas from the Polish Defense (…b5) with Basman’s g-pawn lunge.