Sicilian: Loewenthal–Kalashnikov 6.c4 Be7 7.N1c3

Sicilian Defense – Loewenthal Variation

Definition

The Loewenthal Variation of the Sicilian Defense begins with the moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5. By immediately striking at the knight on d4 with …e5, Black adopts a forcing, counter-attacking stance that distinguishes this branch from the more popular 4…Nf6 lines (Classical or Sveshnikov systems).

How It Is Used in Chess

• Move-order trickery – The early …e5 surprises players who expect the mainline Najdorf (…a6) or Classical (…Nc6 without …e5) Sicilians.
• Imbalanced pawn structure – After the compelled 5.Nb5, Black later seizes space in the centre with …d6 and often …f5 or …Be6.
• Transpositional gateway – The Loewenthal is the “parent” of both the Kalashnikov (5.Nb5 d6) and the Sveshnikov (5.Nb5 Nf6 6.N1c3 d6), making it a vital theoretical crossroads.

Strategic Significance

White obtains the outpost on d5 but must cope with backward d- and b-pawns. Black enjoys a lead in development and kingside chances, balanced by structural weaknesses on d6 and d5.

Historical Background

Named after the 19-century Hungarian-British master Johann Löwenthal, who employed it in London and Paris cafés. In the pre-Steinitz era, it was valued for its directness; modern engines confirm that the line is fully playable but demands accuracy.

Illustrative Mini-Game

A typical skeleton position: Black has fixed the d5 square but has active pieces and open diagonals for the bishops.

Interesting Facts

• Löwenthal used the line to beat Paul Morphy in a blindfold simul (London, 1858).
• Its ECO codes span B32–B33, overlapping with both Kalashnikov and Sveshnikov material.

Kalashnikov Variation

Definition

The Kalashnikov is a sub-variation of the Löwenthal reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5 5.Nb5 d6. The distinguishing move is 5…d6 (instead of the Sveshnikov’s 5…Nf6), aiming for rapid …Be6 and …Nge7 without conceding an early knight fork on d6.

Usage in Practical Play

Employed by tacticians who like Sveshnikov-style activity but prefer to postpone …Nf6. The set-up is flexible:

• Pawn duo e5–d6 grabs space yet leaves a hole on d5.
• Bishops often appear on e6 and e7, keeping an eye on d5 and g5.
• Typical plans for Black include …Be6, …Nge7, …f5, and in some lines …g6 and …Bg7 (the “Soltis” set-up).

Historical Significance

The variation is named after Mikhail Kalashnikov, a Soviet master (no relation to the rifle designer), who analysed it extensively in the 1970s. Grandmasters such as Shirov, Radjabov, and Wojtaszek have used it as a surprise weapon at elite level.

Example Position

White’s light-squared bishop exchange leaves Black with doubled e-pawns but unhindered central breaks.

Anecdotes

• In Kramnik–Shirov, Dortmund 1998 the Kalashnikov appeared in the final round; Shirov’s win propelled him to the top of the crosstable.
• Because of the “AK” nickname, commentators sometimes joke that the line is “fully automatic” when Black unleashes …f5–f4.

The Line 6.c4 Be7 7.N1c3 in the Kalashnikov

Definition

After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5 5.Nb5 d6 6.c4 challenges Black’s central pawn chain. Black replies 6…Be7, ignoring the direct …Nf6 and aiming for solid development, and White retreats the b5-knight with 7.N1c3.

Strategic Themes

1. Space vs. Development – White’s pawn on c4 clamps …d5; Black lags slightly but keeps a compact structure.
2. d5 Square – White dreams of Nd5, Bf4, and Rc1 to pile up on d6 and d5.
3. Flexibility for Black – By delaying …Nf6, Black may choose
   • …Nf6 followed by …a6 and …Be6 (classical Kalashnikov)
   • …g6 and …Bg7 for a fianchetto scheme
   • …f5 in true “AK” style

Concrete Move Order

The critical early branching:

      1. e4 c5
      2. Nf3 Nc6
      3. d4 cxd4
      4. Nxd4 e5
      5. Nb5 d6
      6. c4   Be7
      7. N1c3 a6 (or 7…Nf6 8.Be2 0-0)
    

Model Game

Karjakin – Radjabov, Wijk aan Zee 2012 featured the diagrammed line and ended in a razor-sharp draw after 36 moves.

Typical Plans for Both Sides

• White: Nd5, Be3, Bd3, 0-0, f4, with long-term pressure on d6 and potential kingside pawn storm.
• Black: …Bg5 (pin), …Nf6, …0-0, then either break with …b5 or …d5 when preparation is complete.

Interesting Nuggets

• The retreat 7.N1c3 (rather than 7.N5c3) keeps the b-knight flexible; later Na3-c2-e3 aims at d5.
• Engines once preferred 6.c4 over 6.N1c3. After deeper analysis, modern theory sees both as roughly equal, adding richness to opening preparation battles.
• The line often transposes to structures resembling the Maroczy Bind, but with an extra tempo for each side compared to the Accelerated Dragon.