Sicilian: Chameleon, 3...g6
Sicilian: Chameleon
Definition
The Chameleon Variation of the Sicilian Defence arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3. It is called “Chameleon” because, like the colour-changing lizard, White’s quiet third move keeps several radically different set-ups in reserve. Depending on Black’s reply, White can
- turn the position into an Open Sicilian with an eventual d4,
- switch to a Closed / Grand Prix structure with f4,
- head for a Rossolimo-style system with Bb5,
- or play a restrained “English Attack” set-up with Be3, Qd2, 0-0-0, g4.
Typical Move Orders & Transpositional Paths
After 3.Nc3, Black has several independent replies, each steering the game into a different Sicilian family:
- 3…e6 (Opens possibilities for a Scheveningen or Four Knights)
- 3…Nf6 4.d4 (transposes directly to the Sveshnikov/Neo-Sveshnikov)
- 3…g6 (see the separate entry; resembles an Accelerated Dragon)
- 3…d6 (can become a Najdorf if …a6 follows, or a Classical with …Nf6)
- 3…a6 (Najdorf-style, but without committing …d6 yet)
Strategic Ideas
• Flexibility. White keeps the central pawn structure fluid and can
adapt to almost anything Black chooses.
• Development without Commitment. Knights on f3 and c3 do not block
key pawn breaks; both d2–d4 and f2–f4 remain on the table.
• Psychological Edge. Against opponents who rely on deep
preparation in sharp Sicilian main lines, the Chameleon forces
independent thinking early.
Historical Significance
While seldom seen at the absolute top level compared with the Najdorf or Dragon, the Chameleon has served as a practical weapon for grandmasters intent on sidestepping an opponent’s pet Sicilian. It gained prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s through the games of players such as Evgeny Sveshnikov (yes, he used it as White!), Sergei Rublevsky, and Mikhail Gurevich. More recently, rapid and blitz specialists like Ian Nepomniachtchi and Levon Aronian have employed it to spring a surprise.
Illustrative Example
A compact demonstration of the variation’s versatility:
In eight moves the game has transposed into a Scheveningen-type centre with a Grand-Prix-like pawn on f4. The “Chameleon” has chosen its colour!
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster Alexander Khalifman, 1999 FIDE World Champion, once remarked that the Chameleon was perfect for rapid chess because “it steals 20 minutes from your opponent’s clock on move three.”
- The ECO code for the line is B23, sharing the section with the Closed Sicilian—emphasising its hybrid character.
- Engine analysis shows that after 3.Nc3 Black has already over a dozen playable replies scoring within 0.10 pawns of equality, underscoring how balanced yet uncharted the territory is.
3…g6 (within the Chameleon: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 g6)
Definition
The move 3…g6 in the sequence 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 indicates Black’s intention to fianchetto the king’s bishop, blending ideas from the Accelerated Dragon (without an early …d6) with the flexible Chameleon set-up.
Why Black Chooses 3…g6
- Bishop Activity. The g7-bishop will pressure the central dark squares (d4, e5, c3) immediately after it is developed.
- Avoiding Sharp Theory. By sidestepping the mainline Najdorf/Sveshnikov trenches, Black steers the game toward less-analysed positions.
- Potential Transpositions. Depending on whether Black later plays …d6 or …d5, the game can transpose to an Accelerated Dragon, a Hyper-Accelerated Dragon, or even certain lines of the Pirc/Ufimtsev.
Strategic Themes for Both Sides
White
• Decide between an immediate d4 (Open Sicilian style) or keeping the
centre fluid with moves like g3, Bb5, or f4.
• Exploit the fact that Black has not challenged the centre with …d5 yet.
• A typical plan: 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bg7 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Bc4, eyeing f7.
Black
• Quickly castle and hit back in the centre with …Nf6 and …d5 where possible.
• If White delays d4, maneuver for …e6 and …Nge7, echoing a Closed Sicilian.
• Keep an eye on the d4 square; trading on c3 can weaken White’s queenside.
Illustrative Line
Both sides have achieved natural development. Black’s next moves may include …Bd7, …Rc8, and a timely …Na5 to trade the active Bc4.
Historical & Practical Examples
- Bacrot – Grischuk, European Rapid Ch., 2013
Bacrot essayed 3.Nc3; Grischuk replied 3…g6 and soon broke with …d5, equalising comfortably before going on to win the endgame. - Jobava – Caruana, Tbilisi Grand Prix, 2015
Jobava’s offbeat 4.Bb5 in response to 3…g6 led to a sharp middlegame; Caruana’s precise handling of the dark squares netted him a vital half-point in his GP campaign.
Interesting Nuggets
- Because Black has not played …d6, the theoretical Maróczy Bind (c4 + e4 restricting …d5) is less likely—one of the main incentives behind early …g6.
- The early …g6 plan scores slightly above 50 % in master games, an impressive figure for a “sideline.”
- In online blitz, many players assume that 3…g6 will always transpose to an Accelerated Dragon and play 4.d4 automatically— but after 4…cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bg7 6.Be3 Qb6! the game can leave Dragon theory altogether.