Kalashnikov Variation: 7.N1c3 a6 8.Na3 b6

Sicilian

Definition

The Sicilian Defence is the family of chess openings that begins with the asymmetrical reply 1…c5 against 1. e4. Black immediately contests the centre from the flank rather than occupying it, creating unbalanced pawn structures and rich tactical and strategic possibilities.

Usage and Typical Move-Order

The basic starting position arises after 1. e4 c5. From there, White usually plays 2. Nf3 and 3. d4, when Black can choose among many sub-systems:

• Open Sicilians: 2…d6 3.d4 (Najdorf, Dragon, Scheveningen, Classical, etc.)
• 2…Nc6 systems: Sveshnikov, Kalashnikov, Accelerated Dragon, Four Knights
• 2…e6 systems: Taimanov, Kan, Paulsen
• Closed / Anti-Sicilians: Alapin (2.c3), Grand Prix Attack (2.f4), Moscow (3.Bb5+), and many others

Strategic & Historical Significance

The Sicilian is the most popular defence to 1. e4 at every level of play. Its rise began in the late 19^th century but exploded after World-War II thanks to champions such as Botvinnik, Tal, Fischer, Kasparov, and Anand. The imbalance in pawn structure (White’s central e- and d-pawns versus Black’s c- and e-pawns) often gives both sides attacking chances, suiting fighting players.

Illustrative Game

The above miniature shows the opening phase of the famous Najdorf Variation. A classic complete example is Fischer – Byrne, U.S. Championship 1963-64, where Fischer’s exchange sacrifice on d7 dazzled spectators.

Interesting Facts

• The ECO (Encyclopedia of Chess Openings) devotes the entire B-volume (B20-B99) to the Sicilian!
• According to database statistics, roughly one out of every four master games that starts 1. e4 continues 1…c5.
• The name “Sicilian” dates back to Polerio and Greco (early 1600s), who associated the move …c5 with Italian/Sicilian analysts.

Taimanov

Definition

The Taimanov Variation of the Sicilian Defence arises after the moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6. Its key features are the rapid development of the b8-knight to c6 and the flexible central pawn on e6, delaying …d6.

Origin of the Name

Grandmaster Mark Evgenievich Taimanov (1926-2016) was an elite Soviet player, concert pianist, and the first opponent to face Bobby Fischer in the 1971 Candidates’ cycle. He championed this variation throughout the 1950s-70s, demonstrating its resilience against 1.e4 specialists.

Strategic Themes

• Piece Activity: Black keeps options open for …d5 in one move, aiming for a Scheveningen-type set-up or a quick central break.
• Flexible Pawn Structure: Because …d6 is delayed, the light-squared bishop can sometimes develop outside the pawn chain via …Bb4 or …Bc5.
• Minor-Piece Pressure: The early …Nc6 often targets the d4-knight, encouraging White to commit with Nb5 or c4, after which Black reacts dynamically.

Main Continuations

1. 5.Nc3 a6 (Paulsen-Taimanov Hybrid)
2. 5.Nb5 d6 6.c4 (Velimirović Attack)
3. 5.Be2 Nf6 6.Nc3 Bb4 (English Attack set-ups avoided)

Example Position

After 5.Nc3 Qb6 Black immediately pressures d4 and b2, showing the variation’s flexible nature.

Interesting Anecdotes

• Taimanov often prepared for tournaments on the piano: he said the rhythmic discipline of music helped his opening memory.
• In the 1980s the line 6.Be3 a6 7.Qd2 Qc7 became known as the English Attack, making the Taimanov a fashionable Grand-Prix weapon for White.

Szen

Definition

“Szen” most commonly refers to the Szen Variation of the King’s Gambit Accepted, stemming from 1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.d4. It is named after the Hungarian master József Szén (1805-1857), one of the leading continental players of the mid-19^th century.

Key Ideas in the Szen Variation (King’s Gambit)

• Rapid Centre Strike: 4.d4 sacrifices more material but opens lines for White’s pieces.
• Open f-file: If Black replies 4…g4, the knight often heads to e5, building a direct attack on f7.
• Psychological Factor: The line is double-edged and was favoured by Romantic-era players who valued initiative over material.

Historical Significance

Szén, together with masters like Anderssen and Kieseritzky, helped develop gambit play. His analysis influenced the modern understanding that central control can compensate for sacrificed pawns.

Example Game

Szén vs. Löwenthal, Paris 1843 featured the moves 1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.d4 g4 5.Bxf4, after which Szén’s rook-lift along the h-file produced a swift mating attack.

Other Openings Bearing the Name “Szen”

Older texts occasionally label the line 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 g6 5.Nc3 Bg7 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Bc4 as the “Sicilian, Szén Variation,” though modern databases file it under the Accelerated Dragon.

Trivia

• Szén was a leading member of the famous “Pest Triumvirate” (Szén, Grimm, and Worzinski) who defeated a Paris team in 1842–45 by correspondence—the longest match of the era.
• The spelling “Szén” is Hungarian; English books often drop the accent, writing “Szen.”

7.N1c3 a6 8.Na3 b6

Definition

The move sequence 7.N1c3 a6 8.Na3 b6 belongs to the Kalashnikov Variation of the Sicilian Defence. The full move-order is:

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5 5.Nb5 d6 6.N1c3 a6 7.Na3 b6

Strategic Purpose

• Black: By playing …a6 and …b6, Black plans …Bb7, pressuring the e4-pawn and preparing …Nf6 without blocking the bishop. The pawn duo on a6-b6 also clamps down on the b5-square, preventing White’s knights from re-occupying it.
• White: The knight manoeuvre Nb5-c3-a3 eyes the c4 and b5 squares while avoiding the fork …d5 discovered attack on c2. White usually follows with Be3, Bc4, or even g3/Bg2, steering the game into unbalanced middlegames.

Assessment

The line is considered sound but double-edged. Engines evaluate the position near equality, yet both sides have clear plans:

• Black: …b5, …Nf6, …Be7, 0-0, and a central break with …d5.
• White: reinforcing d5 control with Nc4, g3/Bg2, and kingside expansion with f4 or f3-g4.

Model Game

Adams – Gelfand, Wijk aan Zee 2002 reached this structure. Gelfand’s precise …d5 break equalised, but Adams later out-maneuvered Black in a long endgame.

Interesting Facts

• The Kalashnikov name, like the rifle, hints at its “explosive” potential. The sub-line with …b6 is sometimes called the “Basman–Sale Variation” after its early adopters.
• Because both knights may visit a3 (White’s) and h6 (Black’s in some lines), commentators jokingly call it the “knights on the rim” variation.