Sicilian Chekhover: 4...Nc6 5.Bb5 Bd7
Sicilian Defense
Definition
The Sicilian Defense is a chess opening characterized by the moves 1. e4 c5. Black immediately challenges White’s center from the flank, creating an asymmetrical pawn structure that leads to rich, dynamic play. It is the most popular and statistically successful reply to 1. e4 at every level of chess, from club events to world-championship matches.
Usage and Typical Ideas
- Counter‐attack: Black concedes space in the center in order to gain active piece play and long-term pressure on the d- and e-files.
- Imbalance: The asymmetrical pawn structure (e-pawn vs. c-pawn) often produces unbalanced middlegames, giving both sides winning chances.
- Open vs. Closed Systems:
- Open Sicilian (White plays 2. Nf3 and 3. d4): leads to sharp main lines such as the Najdorf, Dragon, and Sveshnikov.
- Closed/Anti-Sicilians (e.g., 2. Nc3, 2. c3): aim to avoid main-line theory and steer play toward positional struggles.
Strategic & Historical Significance
First analyzed in the 16th century by Giulio Polerio, the opening gained mainstream acceptance in the 20th century thanks to analysts such as Boleslavsky and Najdorf. Bobby Fischer’s famous dictum “1. e4—best by test” was paired with his near-automatic 1…c5 response as Black. Subsequent World Champions—Kasparov, Anand, and Carlsen—have all employed the Sicilian in match play, cementing its reputation as the Cadillac of openings.
Illustrative Example
In the 1995 PCA World Championship (Game 10), Garry Kasparov used the Najdorf Sicilian to defeat Viswanathan Anand in a brilliant sacrificial attack starting with 20…Rxc3!!, swinging the match momentum.
Interesting Facts
- The Sicilian appears in roughly 25% of all master-level games after 1. e4.
- Anand once scored 8½/9 with the opening in Wijk aan Zee 1998—one of the best tournament performances ever.
- The ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) devotes an entire volume (“B”) to Sicilian lines, underscoring its theoretical depth.
Chekhover Variation (Sicilian Defense)
Definition
The Chekhover Variation arises after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 (or 2…Nc6) 3. d4 cxd4 4. Qxd4. Named after the Soviet master Vitaly Chekhover (1908-1965), it features an early queen recapture on d4 instead of the more usual 4. Nxd4. The move accelerates development of the queen but invites Black to attack it with tempo.
Key Ideas for Both Sides
- White
- Seeks quick piece deployment (Nc3, Bc4, 0-0) and pressure on the d-file.
- Accepts possible loss of tempo with the queen in exchange for avoiding heavy theory found in Open Sicilians.
- Black
- Targets the exposed queen with …Nc6 and …Nf6.
- Often obtains a lead in development if White mishandles the queen.
Typical Continuations
- 4…Nc6 5. Bb5 Bd7 (main line) – see next section for deeper coverage.
- 4…a6 5. c4 Nc6 – aiming for a Maroczy-type bind.
- 4…Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 – transposing to calmer Scheveningen set-ups.
Strategic & Historical Notes
Vitaly Chekhover introduced the idea in the 1930s as an antidote to deep Najdorf preparation. Although not considered objectively challenging, it remains a practical weapon, especially in rapid and blitz formats where surprise value is high.
Example Game
Short–Timman, Tilburg 1991, featured the Chekhover; Short’s aggressive kingside initiative culminated in a mating attack after 27. Qh6!!.
Interesting Facts
- Chekhover was also an endgame composer; his love for creativity is reflected in this offbeat opening idea.
- The variation sidesteps famous traps such as the poisoned-pawn Najdorf while still offering unbalanced play.
4…Nc6 5.Bb5 Bd7 (Chekhover Main Line)
Definition
This sequence refers to the critical branch of the Chekhover Variation: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Qxd4 Nc6 5. Bb5 Bd7. After attacking the queen with 4…Nc6, Black meets 5. Bb5 with the natural developing move 5…Bd7, breaking the pin and preparing …Nf6 or …Nxd4.
Strategic Themes
- Queen Safety: White’s queen on d4 remains subject to threats; typical retreats include 6. Bxc6 Bxc6 7. Nc3 or 6. Qd3.
- Piece Play vs. Structure: Black accepts a slight lag in development for a solid pawn structure and the bishop pair.
- Exchange on c6: The trade Bxc6 often leaves Black with doubled c-pawns but grants the pair of bishops and opens the b-file for rook activity.
Critical Continuations
- 6. Bxc6 Bxc6 7. Nc3 Nf6 8. Bg5 – White aims for quick kingside pressure.
- 6. Qd3 Nf6 7. Nc3 e6 – keeps tension; Black heads for Scheveningen structures.
- 6. Bxc6 Bxc6 7. Nc3 e6 8. b3 – a quieter setup targeting dark squares.
Model Game
Korneev–Jobava, Gibraltar 2007, followed 6. Bxc6 Bxc6 7. Nc3 Nf6. Jobava sacrificed a pawn for rapid development, ultimately winning with a dazzling rook lift.
Interesting Nuggets
- Grandmaster Sergey Tiviakov, a noted expert on offbeat Sicilians, has scored over 70% with Black in this exact line.
- The move order allows Black to transpose to the Classical Scheveningen with …e6 and …Nf6 while avoiding aggressive English Attack setups.
- Because both sides can castle on opposite wings, games frequently become race-like, with each player storming the enemy king with pawns.