Sicilian: Pelikan, Haberditz Variation

Definition

The Sicilian: Pelikan, Haberditz Variation is a branch of the Lasker–Pelikan (better known today as the Sveshnikov) System of the Sicilian Defence. It 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.Na3. The retreat of the b5-knight to a3, instead of the heavily analysed 8.Nd5, defines the Haberditz line.

Origins & Name

The variation is named after the Austrian master Ignaz Haberditz (1853-1927), one of the earliest players to experiment with the idea of 8.Na3. In modern databases the line is filed under ECO code B33.

Main Line Move Order

Typical sequence leading to the Haberditz Variation:

e4 c5
Nf3 Nc6
d4 cxd4
Nxd4 Nf6
Nc3 e5
Ndb5 d6
Bg5 a6
Na3

Strategic Ideas

Flexible Knight Route: From a3, the knight can head to c4, b5, or even d5 later. This sidesteps the massive theory of the 8.Nd5 main line.
c2–c4 Break: White often prepares c2-c4, reinforcing the d5 square and restricting Black’s queenside pawn majority.
Slower, Positional Struggle: Compared with 8.Nd5, tactics are fewer and plans revolve around long-term piece placement.
Black’s Schemes: Black chooses between 8…b5 (grabbing space), 8…Be7, or the immediate 8…b5 9.Nd5 Be7, aiming to complete development and eventually strike with …f5.

Model Game

Boris Gelfand – Peter Svidler, Wijk aan Zee 2001, showcases many of the line’s themes.

[[Pgn| e4|c5|Nf3|Nc6|d4|cxd4|Nxd4|Nf6|Nc3|e5|Ndb5|d6|Bg5|a6|Na3|b5|Bxf6|gxf6| Nd5|Bg7|c3|f5|exf5|Bxf5|Nc2|O-O|Nce3|Be6|g3|Ne7|Bg2|Rb8|O-O|Nxd5|Nxd5|f5| Qd2|f4|gxf4|Kh8|Kh1|Qh4|Be4|Bxd5|Qxd5|Rxf4|f3|Rf6|Rg1|Rh6|Rg2|Rg8|Rag1| Qd8|Qf7|d5|Bxd5|Qxd5|Qxd5|bxc5|dxc5|Rc8|c6|Rc7|Rc2|Rd8|Rag2|Bf8|Rg8+ |cen]]

In this encounter White exploited the flexibility of the Na3-knight, manoeuvred patiently, and finally broke through on the kingside.

Typical Plans

For White
- Re-route Na3–c4–e3 (or b5 → d4) to consolidate central control.
- Play c2-c4 and sometimes b2-b4 to seize queenside space.
- Develop kingside normally (g3, Bg2, O-O) and prepare f2-f4 breaks.
For Black
- Push …b5, gaining space and freeing the c8-bishop via …Be6.
- Finish development quickly with …Be7, …0-0, and counter in the centre with …f5 or …d5.
- Exploit the temporarily misplaced white knight with tactical ideas like …b4 or …Nd4.

Historical & Theoretical Significance

Although never as popular as the critical 8.Nd5 lines, the Haberditz Variation has served as an important practical weapon for players wishing to avoid the sharpest Sveshnikov theory. Grandmasters such as Boris Gelfand, Alexei Shirov, and Teimour Radjabov have employed it with success.

Interesting Facts

The first recorded use of 8.Na3 dates back to a Vienna tournament game in 1906, played by Ignaz Haberditz himself.
The knight retreat to the rim looks counter-intuitive, yet modern engines give White a perfectly healthy position, illustrating that “a knight on the rim” can still be grim!
World Champion Magnus Carlsen has tested 8.Na3 in online rapid events, contributing to a recent uptick in popularity.

Sicilian: Pelikan, Haberditz Variation