Sicilian Accelerated Fianchetto, Modern - 7.Bc4 Qa5
Sicilian Defense: Accelerated Fianchetto
Definition
The Sicilian Defense: Accelerated Fianchetto is a branch of the Sicilian Defense in which Black delays …d6 and quickly develops the king’s-bishop on the long a1–h8 diagonal.
Typical Move Order
Most commonly:
- 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6
- 5. Nc3 Bg7 — Black has “accelerated” the fianchetto compared with the classical Dragon, reaching the setup without the pawn move …d6.
Strategic Ideas
- …d5 in one go. By omitting an early …d6, Black keeps the option of striking in the center with …d5 in a single move, equalizing space and freeing the light-squared bishop.
- Dragon-style pressure. The fianchettoed bishop eyes the c3– and d4–squares and, later, the kingside.
- Flexible pawn structure. Because the d-pawn remains on d7, Black can choose between …d6, …d5, or even …e6 depending on White’s setup.
Historical Significance
The idea of accelerating the fianchetto appeared in the games of Paul Keres in the 1950s, but it was popularized during the 1970s and 80s by grandmasters such as Lev Polugaevsky and Ulf Andersson. Its reputation grew when it was adopted by world-class players like Viswanathan Anand and Sergey Karjakin as a low-theory, fighting alternative to the main-line Dragon.
Illustrative Game
Stohl–Anand, Wijk aan Zee 1993, shows Black achieving the typical …d5 break, equalizing comfortably and later winning the ending.
Interesting Facts
- Because the pawn on d7 stays put, the Accelerated Fianchetto can transpose into the Hedgehog if Black plays …e6.
- Many players choose this line to avoid the ferocious Yugoslav Attack that plagues the traditional Dragon.
Modern Variation (within the Accelerated Fianchetto)
Definition
The Modern Variation is the main open-Sicilian response against the Accelerated Fianchetto in which White plays 5. Nc3 followed by 6. Be3 and 7. Bc4, directing rapid development toward a kingside initiative while discouraging Black’s thematic …d5 break.
Representative Sequence
- 1. e4 c5
- 2. Nf3 Nc6
- 3. d4 cxd4
- 4. Nxd4 g6
- 5. Nc3 Bg7
- 6. Be3 Nf6
- 7. Bc4 (defining the Modern Variation)
Main Plans
- White: Castle long (0-0-0), push h2–h4–h5, and generate an attack against the fianchettoed king. Simultaneously guard the d5-square with pieces and the pawn on c2.
- Black: Hit the e4-pawn (…Ng4, …Qb6), counter in the center with …d5 when possible, or enter Maroczy-Bind structures with …d6 and …d5 restrained.
Historical & Practical Notes
The line gained prominence after Garry Kasparov employed it as White against several Soviet contemporaries in the early 1980s. Nowadays it is a staple in grandmaster praxis because it keeps theory manageable compared with the Najdorf while maintaining attacking chances.
Typical Trap
After 7…O-O?! 8. Nxc6 bxc6 9. e5! Ne8 10. Bxf7+! Rxf7 11. e6, White obtains a powerful attack—an instructive reminder that Black must treat development deficits seriously.
The Move Sequence 7.Bc4 …Qa5 (Sub-Variation)
Definition
The specific move 7…Qa5 is Black’s most popular reply to 7. Bc4 in the Modern Variation of the Accelerated Fianchetto. The queen pinpoints c3, applies pressure on the a5–e1 diagonal, and sidelines White’s immediate attacking ambitions.
Key Position
Strategic Points for Each Side
- Black:
- Ties the knight on c3 to the defense of e4.
- Prepares …Nxe4 tactics if White is careless.
- Can meet 8.O-O with 8…O-O and aim for …d6 or the freeing break …d5.
- White:
- Often replies 8.O-O, 8.Qd2, or 8.Bb3, keeping an eye on d4 and c2.
- May chase the queen later with a2–a4 or Nd5.
- Long-term plan remains f2–f3, Qd2, 0-0-0, and a kingside pawn storm, but precise timing is critical.
Notable Games
- Carlsen – Nepomniachtchi, Champions Chess Tour 2020, where Black equalized comfortably with 8…O-O 9.Bb3 d6.
- Kramnik – Anand, Wijk aan Zee 1998, showcased the dynamic pawn sacrifice 9.Ndb5?! Nxe4! 10.O-O Nxc3.
Anecdote
In the 1987 USSR Championship, grandmaster Evgeny Bareev countered 7…Qa5 with the rare 8.Ndb5!?, startling his opponent, who spent nearly an hour before declining the speculative knight sacrifice—evidence that even seasoned experts can be rattled by off-beat tries in this sharp branch.