Sicilian: Pelikan, 7.Bg5 a6 8.Bxf6
Sicilian: Pelikan, 7.Bg5 a6 8.Bxf6
Definition
The phrase “Sicilian: Pelikan, 7.Bg5 a6 8.Bxf6” designates a specific branch of the Sicilian Defence, Pelikan (a.k.a. Sveshnikov) Variation. It refers to the position that arises after the moves
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6
7. Bg5 a6 8. Bxf6.
In this line White pins the knight on f6, Black breaks the pin with …a6, and White immediately exchanges on f6, surrendering the bishop pair in order to damage Black’s kingside pawn structure.
Typical Move Order
Most games reach the tabiya through the “open” Sicilian sequence shown above. The key positional features that define the Pelikan/Sveshnikov—an early …e5, the hole on d5, and the advanced b-knight—are already present by move six.
- After 8…gxf6 the half-open g-file and the weakened dark squares around Black’s king dictate the course of the middlegame.
- White usually continues 9. Na3 or 9. Na3 f5 10. Bd3, trying to occupy d5 with a knight and pry open central files.
Strategic Themes
- Structural damage vs. bishop pair. White gives up the dark-squared bishop to create doubled f-pawns. Black relies on the bishop pair and dynamic piece play to compensate.
- The d5 outpost. The square d5 is permanently weak. White aims to install a knight there (often the b5-knight via c3–d5 or the a3-knight via c4–e3–d5).
- Counter-play on the f- and g-files. Black’s pawn structure (f7–f6 and half-open g-file) offers attacking chances against White’s king, especially in opposite-side castling scenarios.
- Timing of …f5. Black often seeks …f5 to liberate pieces and contest d5; White tries to restrain or exploit that break.
Historical Context
• The line gained prominence in the late 1970s when Soviet grandmasters Evgeny Sveshnikov and Gennady Timoshchenko demonstrated its soundness. The older Czech master Jiří Pelikán had already explored the setup in the 1950s, hence the dual name.
• Until about 1985, 7. Bg5 (instead of the modern 7. Nd5) was considered the critical test. After 8. Bxf6 gxf6 theory diverged sharply, fueling discussions on King safety vs. structural integrity.
• Today, engines still evaluate the position as roughly equal, confirming Black’s resources, yet practical results at every level continue to fluctuate sharply—evidence of the line’s sharp, double-edged nature.
Illustrative Game
Short, Nigel – Sveshnikov, Evgeny
Tilburg 1992
Short’s energetic play on the dark squares tested Sveshnikov’s own creation. Although Black ultimately held the balance, the game vividly shows:
- How quickly Black’s kingside pawns can become targets.
- The central importance of the d5 outpost.
- The attacking potential of the g-file when Black’s pieces coordinate.
Typical Plans
-
For White
- Anchor a knight on d5.
- Castle long and launch a pawn storm (c2-c4, b2-b4).
- Exploit the half-open g-file with moves like Qh5 and Rd3–g3.
-
For Black
- Break with …f5 and sometimes …f4 to blunt White’s bishop on d3.
- Exchange minor pieces to relieve the d5 pressure.
- Attack along the g- and b-files, occasionally castling queenside instead.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The critical position after 8…gxf6 was once evaluated as winning for White by several grandmasters—until Kasparov adopted Black’s side successfully in the mid-1980s, overturning consensus.
- The line often produces asymmetrical pawn structures that tablebases now show can yield bizarre endings, e.g., bishop vs. three pawns on one wing.
- In computer chess, engines love both sides: White for the static weaknesses, Black for the bishop pair and king-side pawn mass. Centipawn swings of ±1 are common well into move 30.
- The move 8…gxf6 looks anti-positional, but accepting 8…Qxf6? allows 9. Nd5 Qd8 10. c3 and White dictates play; thus modern theory unanimously prefers the doubled pawns.
Further Study
• Chapter 4 of Sveshnikov & Kalinichenko, “The Complete Sveshnikov” (Chess Stars, 2018).
• Kasparov vs. Anderson, Niksic 1983 – a model attacking win for Black.
• Online database filter: ECO code B33 with 7. Bg5 a6 8. Bxf6.