Sicilian: Löwenthal–Kalashnikov 6.N1c3 a6 7.Na3 b5

Sicilian Defense: Löwenthal Variation

Definition

The Löwenthal Variation is a branch of the Open Sicilian that arises after the moves
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5.
Black immediately strikes in the centre with …e5, forcing the white knight to move and creating an asymmetrical pawn structure. It is named after the 19th-century Hungarian–English master Johann Jakob Löwenthal, who popularised the idea.

Typical Move Order & Tabia

After 5…e5 the critical continuation is 6.Ndb5 a6 7.Na3 b5, reaching the “Löwenthal tabia” in which:

• The black pawn trio a6–b5–c5 grabs queenside space.
• The hole on d5 becomes White’s principal outpost.

Strategic Themes

• Central wedge vs. hole: Black’s pawn on e5 grabs space but concedes a permanent weakness on d5.
• Backward pawn: The pawn on d6 can become a long-term target; Black often prepares …d5 to solve the problem dynamically.
• Piece play: White aims for Nd5, Bg5, Bxf6 and sometimes c4; Black seeks counterplay with …Be6, …Nbd7, …b4 and kingside castling.

Historical Notes

Löwenthal introduced the variation in the 1850s, challenging the prevailing belief that early pawn advances at the cost of a square were unsound. Wilhelm Steinitz later demonstrated both sides’ resources, and the line has been a fighting choice ever since.

Illustrative Games

• Kasparov – Short, Linares 1993: Kasparov’s energetic 10.c4! highlighted how quickly White can exploit the d5 outpost.
• Shirov – Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1996: A sharp opposite-side castling battle illustrating Black’s …b4 break and White’s kingside attack.

Interesting Facts

• The variation’s ECO code is B32.
• Löwenthal once served as a second to Paul Morphy; the two analysed this system together in 1859.

Sicilian Defense: Kalashnikov Variation

Definition

The Kalashnikov Variation begins with
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5.
Unlike the related Sveshnikov, Black postpones …Nf6, keeping the g8-knight flexible. The system is named after Soviet master Evgeny Kalashnikov, who analysed it deeply in the 1970s.

Typical Continuation

5.Nb5 d6 6.N1c3 leads to the main battleground of the opening.

Strategic Themes

• Space vs. weakness: As in the Löwenthal, Black seizes central space but weakens d5.
• Flexible piece play: Because …Nf6 has not yet been played, Black can choose setups with …Nge7, …Be7, or even …g6.
• Fast queenside expansion: The characteristic plan …a6–b5 gains space and prepares …Be6-b4+.

Historical & Practical Significance

The Kalashnikov gained elite-level credibility in the 1990s through the efforts of players like Loek van Wely and Vassily Ivanchuk. Today it is considered a sound, aggressive alternative to both the Sveshnikov and Classical Sicilians.

Illustrative Games

• Ivanchuk – Kramnik, Dortmund 1993: Black equalised comfortably and later won, showcasing the robustness of the setup.
• Caruana – Anand, Candidates 2014: A modern heavyweight battle featuring deep theoretical preparation on both sides.

Interesting Facts

• The opening’s name often prompts playful comparisons to the “AK-47” rifle—another famous Kalashnikov creation.
• Its ECO codes are B32–B33, overlapping with the Sveshnikov.

Kalashnikov Main Line: 6.N1c3 a6 7.Na3 b5

Definition & Move Order

In the Kalashnikov after 5.Nb5 d6, White’s most popular choice is 6.N1c3. Black replies 6…a6, forcing the knight to a3, and then grabs space with 7…b5. The full sequence is:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5 5. Nb5 d6  6.N1c3 a6 7.Na3 b5.

Strategic Significance

• Queenside spearhead: The pawns on a6 and b5 give Black a ready-made minority attack and prepare …b4 to harass the c3-knight.
• Outpost warfare: White strives to occupy d5 with a knight, often supported by c3-c4 and Be3.
• Piece placement: Black typically continues …Nf6, …Be7, …Be6, and sometimes …g6, while White chooses between Be2, Bg5, or f4-f5 thrusts.

Theoretical Guidelines

1. 7…b5 is considered the most critical; alternatives such as 7…Nf6 allow 8.Bg5 with pressure.
2. After 8.Nd5, Black can respond with 8…Nge7 or transpose to Sveshnikov-like lines via 8…Be7.
3. Endgames often favour White slightly because of the d5 outpost, so Black aims to keep pieces on the board and generate counterplay on the queenside.

Model Game

Mamedyarov – Van Wely, Wijk aan Zee 2005 is a textbook example where Black’s …b4 thrust equalised, and a later exchange sacrifice on c3 swung the initiative.

Interesting Facts

• This line is sometimes nicknamed “the Kalashnikov Corridor” because Black’s a6-b5 structure resembles a barrel pointed down the b-file.
• Engines rate the position after 7…b5 as roughly equal, yet practical results show a healthy 55-60 % score for the side that knows the resulting middlegame plans better.