Sicilian: Pelikan, Sveshnikov, 11.Bd3 Be6
Sicilian Defence – Pelikan Variation
Definition
The Pelikan (or Lasker–Pelikan) Variation is a branch of the Open Sicilian that begins with the moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5. Black immediately challenges the d4-knight and grabs valuable central space, accepting structural weaknesses in return for dynamic piece play.
Typical Move-Order
- e4 c5
- Nf3 Nc6
- d4 cxd4
- Nxd4 Nf6
- Nc3 e5
After 5…e5, White’s knight usually retreats to b5, and the tabiya position of the whole Pelikan/Sveshnikov complex arises.
Strategic Themes
- Dynamic Imbalance: Black accepts the hole on d5 and a backward d-pawn in exchange for lead in development and active piece play.
- Outpost Warfare: White often uses the d5 outpost for a knight while Black fights for the dark squares with …f5 and …Bg7 ideas.
- Pawn Breaks: …d5, …f5, and …b5 are recurring liberation breaks for Black.
Historical Significance
Czech master Franz Pelikan popularized the line in the 1930s, but it remained a sideline until the late 1970s, when Soviet grandmasters—most notably Evgeny Sveshnikov—demonstrated its soundness. It quickly became a favourite of ambitious players seeking decisive battles with Black.
Illustrative Game
Pelikan vs. Vidmar, Ljubljana 1938 was one of the first encounters to showcase the variation’s sharp possibilities. [[Pgn| e4|c5|Nf3|Nc6|d4|cxd4|Nxd4|Nf6|Nc3|e5|Ndb5|d6|Bg5|a6|Na3|b5|Nd5|Be7|Bxf6|Bxf6|Bd3|Be6|c3|O-O|Nc2|Bg5|]]
Interesting Facts
- Lasker experimented with 5…e5 as early as 1910, but never fully embraced it.
- The variation was almost unknown in top-level chess until computers helped confirm its viability in the 1980s.
Sicilian Defence – Sveshnikov Variation
Definition
The Sveshnikov Variation is the modern, fully-developed form of the Pelikan. It includes the critical continuation 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Bg5 a6!—a theoretical refinement championed by GM Evgeny Sveshnikov. With 7…a6, Black forces the knight to a3 or d5, tightening the tactical screws while still accepting the positional weaknesses on d5 and d6.
Main Line Tabiya
- e4 c5
- Nf3 Nc6
- d4 cxd4
- Nxd4 Nf6
- Nc3 e5
- Ndb5 d6
- Bg5 a6
- Na3 b5
- Nd5 Be7
- Bxf6 Bxf6
- Bd3 Be6 (see next section)
Strategic and Tactical Motifs
- Weak d5 vs. Activity: Black’s d5-hole and d6 pawn are permanent, but his pieces swarm on the kingside.
- Minor-Piece Imbalances: White often retains a powerful Nd5, while Black bets on the dynamism of the two bishops.
- Timing of …f5 and …f4 breaks is critical to Black’s counterplay.
Historical Evolution
Sveshnikov’s extensive analysis in the 1970s overturned conventional evaluations. Initially labelled “unsound,” the line became mainstream after his successes in USSR championships. Later, it was adopted by world champions (Kasparov, Kramnik, Carlsen), cementing its reputation.
Famous Encounters
- Kasparov – Anand, Linares 1992: A textbook attacking win for Black in the Sveshnikov, highlighted by the thematic …f5 break.
- Kramnik – Leko, Brissago (WCh) 2004: Showed how resilient White’s bind can be if Black mistimes his pawn breaks.
Interesting Anecdote
During the 1984 Soviet Championship, players joked that “to refute Sveshnikov, you must first refute Sveshnikov himself,” referencing the grandmaster’s encyclopedic home analysis that often surprised even elite peers.
Sveshnikov Line with 11.Bd3 Be6
Definition
The line 11.Bd3 Be6 is one of the critical branching points of the Sveshnikov. After White’s natural development move 11.Bd3, Black responds with 11…Be6, parrying threats on c7 and supporting …d5 at a later moment. The position is catalogued in modern opening manuals under ECO code B33.
Position After 11…Be6
[[Pgn| e4|c5|Nf3|Nc6|d4|cxd4|Nxd4|Nf6|Nc3|e5|Ndb5|d6|Bg5|a6|Na3|b5|Nd5|Be7|Bxf6|Bxf6|Bd3|Be6|fen|r2qk1nr/1p1n1pbp/p3bpp1/1NBpP3/8/N7/PPPP1PPP/R2QK2R|arrows|d6d5 b5b4|squares|d5 e4]]In the diagram, Black’s last move 11…Be6 both hits the knight on d5 and clears c8 for a rook. White must decide whether to maintain the knight with 12.Nxf6+ or retreat it, leading to vastly different middlegames.
Main Continuations
- 12.Nxf6+ Qxf6 13.c4 – White opens the queenside and hopes the d5 square will still be an asset.
- 12.c3 Bg5 13.Nc2 O-O – White bolsters the knight; play often shifts to kingside pawn storms.
Strategic Significance
- Timing of …d5: Black’s Be6 aims to prepare the central break …d5, which would liberate his position.
- Exchange Decisions: White must judge when to capture on f6 or e7, influencing whether the position is about dark-square control or piece activity.
- Bishop Pair vs. Outpost: This line epitomizes the eternal debate in the Sveshnikov: is the d5-knight stronger than the bishop pair?
Model Game
Carlsen vs. Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2017 featured the 11.Bd3 Be6 line, with Black demonstrating excellent knowledge to neutralize the world champion’s pressure and draw after 39 moves. The game is often cited for textbook handling of the …d5 break.
Interesting Facts
- Many engines once preferred 11…Bg5 over 11…Be6, but cloud-based analysis has swung fashion solidly in favour of 11…Be6 since roughly 2015.
- Grandmasters often “ping-pong” their preparation: after introducing a novelty in the 11.Bd3 Be6 subline, they may revert to the 11…Bg5 line the next outing to sidestep opponents’ prep.