Sicilian Nimzowitsch Variation: Advance Variation

Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation

Definition

The Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6. Black immediately attacks the central e-pawn instead of developing a queenside knight (2…Nc6) or guarding the pawn on c5 with 2…d6. The line carries ECO code B29 and is named after the Latvian–Danish grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch, who explored many provocative openings that challenge classical principles.

How It Is Used

After 2…Nf6, White’s most principled continuation is 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nc3, grabbing space and chasing the knight. Other sidelines (3.d3, 3.Nc3, or 3.e5 Ng4) try to avoid extensive theory. The variation is employed mainly as a surprise weapon because it can steer the game into less-charted territory compared to the heavily analyzed Najdorf, Dragon, or Sveshnikov systems.

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: Black provokes e4–e5, accepting a loss of time for the knight but hoping the pawn advance will later become a target.
• Piece Activity vs. Structure: Black’s kingside knight may take several moves (…Nf6–d5–c7 or b6) to find a stable square, while White enjoys extra space and rapid development.
• Flexible Pawn Structures: Positions can transpose into French-like or Alekhine-like structures, giving both sides a variety of plans.

Historical & Practical Significance

Though first analyzed by Nimzowitsch in the 1920s, the variation has been played intermittently by grandmasters seeking fresh territory. Vasily Smyslov used it in the 1965 Candidates match against Mikhail Tal, and it occasionally crops up in modern rapid or blitz events where surprise value is paramount.

Illustrative Example

The following miniature shows typical ideas for both sides:

White drives the knight around, builds a broad pawn center (d4 & c3), and develops rapidly; Black aims for …d6 and …dxe5 to undermine the strong e-pawn.

Interesting Facts

• Nimzowitsch called 2…Nf6 "the best psychological reply" to 2.Nf3 because it dared White to push the pawn prematurely.
• Several computer engines originally evaluated the line as dubious for Black, but modern neural-network engines show that accurate play produces roughly equal chances.
• Grandmaster Alexander Morozevich, known for creative openings, revived the variation in the 2000 s with reasonable tournament success.

Advance Variation

Definition

The term Advance Variation is a generic label applied to openings in which one side—most often White—pushes a center pawn forward two squares on move 3 or 4, gaining space while locking the pawn chain. The idea appears in multiple defenses:

• French Defense: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5
• Caro-Kann Defense: 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5
• Sicilian Defense (Alapin-Advance hybrid): 1.e4 c5 2.c3 (also called the Alapin, but many databases list it as Advance)

How It Is Used in Chess

By advancing the pawn, the side playing the Advance Variation:

1. Gains space and restricts the opponent’s minor pieces (e.g., Black’s g8-knight in the French or Caro-Kann).
2. Clarifies the pawn structure early, allowing a clear strategic roadmap—typically building a strong center with c- and d-pawns or launching a kingside attack.
3. Accepts the drawback of creating fixed targets; the advanced pawn can later be undermined by breaks such as …c5, …f6, or …b6.

Strategic & Historical Significance

The Advance Variation in the French was championed by Aaron Nimzowitsch and later by Mikhail Botvinnik, who used it to great effect in the mid-20th century. In the Caro-Kann, the line became fashionable after Viktor Korchnoi and Garry Kasparov employed it in World Championship cycles, emphasizing its attacking potential.

Typical Example: French Advance

A classic game demonstrating White’s space-gaining plan is Botvinnik – Taimanov, USSR Ch. 1952:

Botvinnik leverages the space advantage to mount a decisive kingside offensive after preparing the thematic break f2-f4-f5-f6.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In the Caro-Kann Advance, the famous Short Plan (named after GM Nigel Short) involves marching the h-pawn all the way to h6 to rip open Black’s kingside.
• Computers once considered the French Advance harmless for Black, but modern engine-backed novelties have revitalized its reputation—many top grandmasters now select it in rapid and blitz.
• The concept of locking the center and playing on the wings epitomizes Nimzowitsch’s hypermodern philosophy: control rather than occupation.

Key Takeaways

• Space vs. Flexibility: The side that advances gains room but must watch for pawn breaks.
• Fixed Pawn Chains: Plans revolve around attacking the base of the chain (…c5 or …f6 for Black; c4 or f4 for White).
• Universal Idea: Although each opening has its own theory, the underlying Advance concept remains strategically consistent across defenses.