Sicilian Pelikan–Chelyabinsk: 9.Bxf6 gxf6 10.Nd5 11.Bd3

Sicilian Defence: Pelikan Variation

Definition

The Pelikan Variation is a branch of the Sicilian Defence that arises after the moves
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5.
Black immediately challenges the d4-knight and seizes central space with …e5, at the cost of creating a permanent weakness on the d5-square and leaving the kingside slightly drafty.

Usage in Play

• Most commonly employed by aggressive players who enjoy concrete calculation and dynamic imbalance.
• A favorite weapon in must-win situations because it leads to asymmetrical structures and complicated middlegames.
• Often transposes into the Sveshnikov/Chelyabinsk structures after 6.Ndb5 d6.

Strategic Themes

1. Weak but well-defended d5-square: Black often plants pieces on f6 & b8–d7 to keep d5 under control.
2. Pawn majority on the queenside (…b5, …a6) vs. White’s kingside prospects.
3. Piece activity over pawn structure: Black accepts long-term holes in return for fast development and tactical chances.

Historical Background

Named after the Czech-Argentinian master Jiří Pelikán, who experimented with the line in the 1950s. Although Emanuel Lasker toyed with …e5 in the 1910s, Pelikán’s systematic exploration earned him naming rights until Soviet GM Evgeny Sveshnikov refined the system in the 1970s.

Illustrative Example

After 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Bg5 a6 8.Na3 b5 the famous piece sacrifice 9.Bxf6 gxf6 leads directly into the modern main line (see next sections).

Interesting Facts

• The Pelikan was almost extinct at top level until Sveshnikov and Timoshchenko resurrected it in Chelyabinsk, USSR.
• Garry Kasparov used the variation as Black against Karpov in the 1986 World Championship match, popularising it overnight.
• The computer-friendly, forcing nature of the line keeps it at the cutting edge of modern engine theory.

Chelyabinsk Variation

Definition

The Chelyabinsk Variation is another name—favoured in Russian literature—for the same complex starting with 5…e5, but usually refers specifically to the position after
6.Ndb5 d6 7.Bg5 a6 8.Na3 b5.
The name honours the Siberian city of Chelyabinsk, where a group of young Soviet players (Sveshnikov, Timoshchenko, Kalashnikov, and others) analysed the system extensively in the 1970s.

Why Two Names?

• “Pelikan” = early historical credit.
• “Chelyabinsk/Sveshnikov” = modern theoretical development and widespread adoption.
• In practice, English sources use “Sveshnikov,” Russian sources “Chelyabinsk,” and databases often label both.

Key Continuations

1. 9.Bxf6 gxf6 (Main Line – see next section)
2. 9.Nd5 (Kramnik System)
3. 9.Bxf6 gxf6 10.Nd5 f5 (Novosibirsk Variation)

Strategic & Historical Significance

The Chelyabinsk shook classical dogma. Sacrificing pawn structure for piece activity, it challenged the belief that a backward d6-pawn and weak d5-square were fatal. Its success forced a re-evaluation of positional principles and spurred opening computer-aided research.

Famous Games Featuring the Chelyabinsk

• Karpov – Sveshnikov, USSR Ch 1973: The line’s coming-out party—Black survived a fierce attack and drew.
• Kasparov – Kramnik, Linares 1999: Kasparov unleashed 11.c3 and won a model attacking game.
• Carlsen – Nepomniachtchi, WCC 2021 (rapid tiebreaks): Featured a modern wrinkle with …h5 and …Qg5.

Interesting Anecdote

When Sveshnikov first presented his analysis to Soviet selectors, they dismissed it as “anti-positional nonsense.” A decade later, World Champion Anatoly Karpov adopted it himself.

9.Bxf6 gxf6 10.Nd5 Bg7 11.Bd3 (Main Line of the Sveshnikov/Chelyabinsk)

Definition & Move Order

This concrete sequence arises after:

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Bg5 a6 8.Na3 b5
9.Bxf6 gxf6 10.Nd5 Bg7 11.Bd3

White exchanges on f6 to double Black’s pawns, then occupies the d5-outpost. Black responds with 10…Bg7, eyeing the d4-knight and preparing …f5 or …Ne7.

Strategic Ideas

• White
  • Permanent knight outpost on d5, often supported by c3 & Nc2-e3.
  • Attack f6-pawn and the weakened dark squares with Qf3, O-O-O, and h4-h5 motifs.
  • Endgame edge: Black’s pawn structure (f6-f7-f6) can become a long-term liability.
• Black
  • Dynamic pawn majority on the queenside (…b4, …a5) and central break …f5.
  • Tries to evict the d5-knight with …Ne7 followed by …f5-f4.
  • Pieces swarm the kingside; opposite-side castling often leads to mutual attacks.

Theoretical Status

Still one of the most hotly debated battlegrounds in grandmaster chess. Engines rate the position as approximately equal, but practical results hover around 55 % for White—proof of the line’s complexity.

Illustrative PGN

Famous Encounters

• Kramnik – Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1996: White demonstrated a powerful kingside attack but Topalov’s counterplay prevailed.
• Caruana – Giri, Candidates 2020-21: Featured the ultra-modern 11…f5!? novelty, leading to a razor-sharp draw.

Practical Tips

1. Know your forcing tactics: …f5!, …f4!, …Be6!, and the exchange sacrifice …Rxa3 are recurring patterns.
2. Endgame awareness: Even if the middlegame fizzles, White’s d5-knight vs. Black’s e6-hole remains a theme.
3. Time management: The line is theory-heavy; both sides must recall 25-plus moves in elite practice.

Fun Fact

In the 2021 Titled Tuesday, over 10 % of all Sicilians reached this exact position—proof of its enduring popularity even in blitz.