Sicilian: Pelikan and Chelyabinsk, 9.Nd5 Be7
Sicilian: Pelikan (Lasker–Pelikan) Variation
Definition
The Pelikan Variation is a sharp branch of the Sicilian Defence that begins with the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5. It is sometimes called the Lasker–Pelikan after Emanuel Lasker, who employed the structure as early as 1910, and Jorge Pelikan, an Argentine master who explored it in depth in the 1950s.
Strategic Ideas
- Central Tension: The immediate …e5 attacks the d4-knight and stakes out central space, but it leaves a backward d-pawn and weak d5-square.
- Piece Activity vs. Structural Defects: Black’s minor pieces become highly active; in return White tries to exploit the hole on d5.
- Unbalanced Play: The asymmetry of pawn structures leads to rich middlegame possibilities and frequent opposite-side castling attacks.
Historical Significance
While Lasker’s early experiments were sporadic, the line lay dormant until Pelikan’s extensive analysis in the 1950s. Soviet databases later grouped it with the “Chelyabinsk Variation,” but the five-move sequence above is still widely cited as the “Pelikan move order.” Its modern renaissance owes much to grandmasters such as Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik, and, more recently, Magnus Carlsen.
Typical Continuations
- 6. Ndb5 d6 (entering mainstream Sveshnikov/Chelyabinsk theory)
- 6. Nf5 d5 7. exd5 Bxf5, a rare but playable sideline
- 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bc4, known as the “Moscow Variation” against the Pelikan
Example Game
Kasparov–Shirov, Linares 1993, is a famous illustration of the dynamic potential for both sides. Notice how Black’s doubled f-pawns compensate with open files and piece activity.
Interesting Facts
- The Pelikan was once viewed with suspicion because of the d5-hole, but computer engines now show Black’s position to be fully playable.
- Pelikan allegedly analyzed the line on train rides across Argentina, using a magnetic pocket set so the pieces would not fall during sudden stops.
Sicilian: Chelyabinsk (Sveshnikov) Variation
Definition
The Chelyabinsk, more commonly called the Sveshnikov Variation, follows immediately from the Pelikan: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6. The name “Chelyabinsk” honors the Siberian city where grandmasters Evgeny Sveshnikov and Gennady Timoshchenko developed its theory during the 1970s.
Main Line Sequence
After 7. Bg5 a6 8. Na3 b5, the trademark pawn wedge on b5 supports …b4 ideas and clamps White’s queenside. White’s principled response is 9. Nd5, targeting the weak d6 pawn and the f6-knight.
Strategic Themes
- Outpost on d5: White’s knight becomes a “bone in Black’s throat,” but Black argues that his bishops and pawn majority compensate.
- Backward d-Pawn: Black must guard d6 but often turns the pawn into a battering ram with …d5 at a well-timed moment.
- Pawn Majority: Black’s 4-vs-3 kingside majority can create dangerous passed pawns in endgames.
- Tactical Minefield: Razor-sharp lines feature sacrifices on f6, b5, or even d6; precise calculation is required from move 10 onward.
Historical Significance
The line’s theoretical reputation skyrocketed after Sveshnikov used it to defeat top Soviet opponents in the 1970s. It became World Championship material: Kramnik–Leko (2004) and Anand–Kramnik (2008) both featured the Chelyabinsk. Nowadays it remains a staple for ambitious Black players seeking counter-play against 1. e4.
Landmark Game
Kramnik–Lputian, Moscow 1994, shows both sides walking a tightrope of tactics around the d5-knight and f-file.
Anecdotes
- When asked why he trusted the line despite its weak squares, Sveshnikov replied, “Weak squares don’t lose games; weak moves do!”
- Chelyabinsk club analysis sessions in the 1970s reportedly ran until 4 a.m., fueled by endless samovars of tea and a fierce sense of provincial pride.
9.Nd5 Be7 in the Chelyabinsk
Definition
The move sequence 9. Nd5 Be7 occurs after the standard Sveshnikov setup 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Bg5 a6 8. Na3 b5. White plants a knight on d5, and Black defends the f6-knight by interposing the bishop on e7. This is the main line of modern Chelyabinsk theory.
Why …Be7?
- Stabilization: Defending the f6-knight eliminates tactical shots like Bxf6 followed by Nxb5.
- Flexibility: The bishop may later drop to g5 or h4, or support central advance …d5.
- Preparation for Castling: Black can safely castle kingside once the bishop is developed.
Main Branches After 9…Be7
- 10. Bxf6 Bxf6 11. c3 0-0 12. Nc2 (“Modern Main Line”)
- 10. Nxe7 Nxe7 11. Bxf6 gxf6, leading to an imbalanced pawn structure.
- 10. Bxf6 gxf6 11. Nd5 (the so-called 11.Nd5 line, reviving pressure on b5 and f6)
Illustrative Mini-Game
Although not perfect play, this blitz skirmish (Internet 2021) demonstrates typical ideas: opposite-wing pawn storms, the useful …Rb8 pivot, and sacrifices on b4/b2.
Key Positional Motifs
- Exchange on f6: White must decide if removing Black’s knight helps exploit dark-square weaknesses or merely activates Black’s bishops.
- c2–c3 Lever: Bolsters the d4-knight’s replacement (usually on c2-e3-d5) and restrains …b4.
- ...d5 Break: Black’s strategic dream is to free his position with …d5, often backed by …f5.
Trivia
- The move 9…Be7 first entered Grandmaster praxis in Andersson–Karpov, Caracas 1970, but became de rigueur only after Sveshnikov’s analyses showed 9…Nxd5 to be too risky.
- Modern engines rate the position after 9…Be7 as roughly equal, yet practical results in over-the-board play still favor White by a small margin.