Sicilian Pelikan–Chelyabinsk: 9…Be7 11.c3 12.Nc2 13.a4

Sicilian Defence: Pelikan Variation

Definition

The Pelikan (or “Pelikan–Sveshnikov”) 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  6. Ndb5 d6 7. Bg5 a6.
It is named after the Czech-Argentinian master Jiří Pelikán, who analysed it in the 1950s. Modern literature often groups it with the “Sveshnikov” after GM Evgeny Sveshnikov, its most famous champion.

How the Variation Is Used

• Dynamic Imbalance: Black weakens the d5-square (by playing …e5) and compromises his pawn structure (d6 & e5 holes) in exchange for rapid piece play and pressure on the queenside.
• Typical Plans for Black
  • …b5–b4 to harass the c3-knight.
  • …Be6, …Rc8 and sometimes …Qa5 to pin and attack.
  • A kingside pawn storm with …f5 in some lines.
• Typical Plans for White
  • Occupy the d5 outpost with a knight (usually from c3).
  • Play c2–c4 or c2–c3 to support the knight and restrict …b4.
  • Probe the weakened dark squares with Bf1–c4, Qf3, or Nd5–f6.

Historical & Strategic Significance

When Sveshnikov and the Chelyabinsk (USSR) team revived the line in the 1970s, many experts thought it unsound because of the d5-hole. Subsequent computer analysis and top-level practice have shown that Black has full counter-chances, making the Pelikan one of the most theoretically significant defences to 1.e4.

Example Games

• Kasparov vs Kramnik, Linares 1994 – A model attacking win for White.
• Carlsen vs Nepomniachtchi, WCh 2021 (g6) – Demonstrates modern equality-seeking methods for Black.

Interesting Facts

• The line was banned from Argentine Championship practice in the 1960s because Pelikán’s students kept using his unpublished analysis to crush opponents.
• It is one of only a handful of mainline Sicilians where Black does not fianchetto a bishop or play …d5 early, relying instead on piece activity.

Chelyabinsk Variation

Definition

A sub-branch of the Pelikan beginning
…7…a6 8.Na3 …b5 9.Nd5.
Named after the Soviet city where Sveshnikov’s analysis group (including Gennadi Timoshchenko and Evgeny Tsvetkov) was based.

Characteristic Position

After 9.Nd5, pieces stand:
• White – King e1, Queen d1, Knights d5 & a3, Bishops g5 & f1, pawns: a2 b2 c2 d4 e4 f2 g2 h2.
• Black – King e8, Queen d8, Knights c6 & f6, Bishops c8 & f8, pawns: a6 b5 c5 d6 e5 f7 g7 h7.

Strategic Ideas

1. Black’s queenside expansion …b4 aims at disrupting White’s knight on c3 (now on d5).
2. White seeks long-term control of the dark squares, especially d5 and b6.

Notable Game

Kramnik vs Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 2008 – White sacrificed an exchange on d5 to exploit the dark squares, a theme that has entered opening manuals.

Trivia

• The Chelyabinsk crew mailed early analysis to Botvinnik, who replied “Objectively dubious, but practically dangerous.” The verdict has aged well: computers now show full equality.

9.Nd5 Be7

Definition

The move 9…Be7 is Black’s most popular reply after 9.Nd5 in the Chelyabinsk. It breaks the pin on the f6-knight, prepares castling, and keeps flexible options for the dark-squared bishop.

Strategic Purpose

• After 10.Bxf6 Bxf6 Black retains the d5 knight‐vs‐bishop imbalance while avoiding doubled f-pawns (which arise if 10…gxf6).
• The bishop on e7 may later drop to g5, f6 or h4, depending on White’s setup.

Illustrative Mini-Line

10.Bxf6 Bxf6 11.c3 (O prepares Nc2 and reinforces d4) gives the critical position tested for decades.

Interesting Anecdote

In the 1991 Soviet Championship, future World Champion Vladimir Kramnik debuted a home‐prepared novelty after 9…Be7 that scored a brisk win and is still quoted today (he played 10.Nxe7!?).

11.c3 O-O 12.Nc2 Bg5 13.a4

Definition & Move Order

This sequence is the modern main line of the Chelyabinsk. Starting from the position after 9…Be7 10.Bxf6 Bxf6, the moves proceed:

1. 11.c3 — White solidifies the d4-pawn, restrains …b4.
2. …O-O — Black completes development.
3. 12.Nc2 — The a3-knight is rerouted to e3-d5 or b4.
4. …Bg5 — Black provokes exchanges and eyes d2 and e3.
5. 13.a4 — White clamps down on …b4 and lays groundwork for an eventual axb5 undermining of the b-pawn chain.

Strategic Themes

• Queenside Tension: The pawn structure a2-a4 vs b5-a6 defines much of the ensuing middlegame.
• Minor-Piece Manoeuvres: Knights may travel Nc2–e3–d5 or Nc2–b4–d5, while Black’s light-square bishop often swings to h6 or f4.
• Breaks: White’s c3–c4 or axb5; Black’s …f5 or …b4.

Model Game

Anand vs Caruana, Candidates 2014:
Anand’s 13.a4 novelty neutralised Black’s queenside play and eventually produced a winning kingside initiative. The game boosted 13.a4 to main-line status overnight.

Fun Fact

According to 2023 database statistics, the sequence ending with 13.a4 has produced a near-perfect 50 % score for both colours across more than 5,000 high-level games – a rare equilibrium in such a sharp opening.