Sicilian: Snyder, 2...d6

Sicilian Defense: Snyder Variation

Definition

The Snyder Variation is a little-known sideline of the Sicilian Defense that begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 !? — an immediate challenge to White’s e-pawn. In many databases the line is grouped under the “Nimzowitsch Variation,” but older American sources (most notably the writings of correspondence expert John Snyder in the 1950s) list it separately, hence the name “Snyder.” The critical continuation is 3. e5 Nd5, after which both sides have an unbalanced, strategic fight that differs sharply from mainstream Sicilian structures.

Typical Move-Order

The most common sequence runs:

• 1. e4 c5
• 2. Nf3 Nf6 !? (Snyder Variation)
• 3. e5 Nd5
• 4. d4 cxd4
• 5. Qxd4 e6 (or 5…Nc6) – the position becomes highly original.

Usage in Practical Play

• 2…Nf6 immediately asks White how he intends to protect the e4 pawn.
• If White advances with 3. e5, the knight heads to d5 (or occasionally g4) where it influences the center.
• Black avoids the heavy theoretical highways of 2…d6 or 2…Nc6 and hopes to catch an unprepared opponent.
• The price Black pays is time: after 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 White gains space and a small lead in development.

Strategic and Historical Significance

Strategically, the Snyder Variation shares elements of the Alekhine Defense (a knight chased by a pawn, then counter-punching) and the Sicilian (half-open c-file, asymmetrical pawn structure). Historically it appealed to U.S. correspondence players in the mid-20^th century who valued surprise value over strict objectivity. Modern engines rate the line roughly equal if Black knows the theory, but practical experience shows White scoring well thanks to the space advantage.

Illustrative Miniature

The following 19-move game shows how quickly the initiative can swing:

[[Pgn|e4|c5|Nf3|Nf6|e5|Nd5|d4|cxd4|Qxd4|e6|Nc3|Nxc3|Qxc3|Nc6|a3|Be7|Bd3|O-O|h4|d6|exd6|Bf6|] ]

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• According to legend, John Snyder first used 2…Nf6 in a 1949 postal game because he had lost his opening book in the mail!
• The variation was revived in the 1990s by GM Sergei Shipov in blitz on the Internet Chess Club, prompting renewed database interest.
• A cheeky trick: after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nc3!? White offers a poisoned pawn – 4…Nxc3? 5.dxc3 – suddenly Black’s queen becomes a target after Be3/Qf3.

2…d6 in the Sicilian Defense

Definition

The move 2…d6, reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6, is the most classical reply in the Sicilian Defense. It shores up the c5-pawn, prepares …Nf6 to attack e4, and keeps Black’s development flexible. From this modest pawn push spring a whole family of famous Sicilian systems: Najdorf, Dragon, Classical, Scheveningen, Pirc-in-the-Sicilian, among others.

Why Black Plays 2…d6

• Control of e5: the pawn on d6 neutralizes White’s potential e4-e5 advance.
• Development Harmony: it allows …Nf6 without worrying about e5 forks.
• Flexibility: Black can later choose …e6 (Scheveningen), …a6 (Najdorf), …g6 (Dragon), or …Nc6 (Classical) depending on White’s setup.
• Theory & Heritage: 2…d6 has been the weapon of choice for world champions from Fischer and Kasparov to Carlsen.

Main Branches After 2…d6

1. Najdorf: 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6
   Kasparov’s trademark line, famous for sharp pawn-storms and long forced sequences.
2. Dragon: 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6
   The fianchettoed bishop breathes fire along the a1–h8 diagonal.
3. Classical: 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 leading to Richter-Rauzer and Sozin/Velimirovic attacks.
4. Scheveningen Structure: 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 (often reached through a Najdorf that omits …a6).

Illustrative Example – Najdorf Showcase

Bobby Fischer’s favorite, here in capsule form:

[[Pgn|e4|c5|Nf3|d6|d4|cxd4|Nxd4|Nf6|Nc3|a6|Bg5|e6|f4|Be7|Qf3|Qc7|O-O-O|Nbd7|g4|b5|] ]

Strategic Significance

The pawn on d6 is the cornerstone of Black’s setup: it restricts White’s center, supports breaks like …d5 or …e5, and often becomes a lever for counterplay (…d5 in the Scheveningen or …d5 sacrifice in the Najdorf). Conversely, White players aim to exploit the square d5, hoping to plant a knight there or open lines via c4 and f4-f5.

Historical Notes

• 2…d6 first appeared in Louis Paulsen’s games of the 1860s, making the move over 150 years old.
• Fischer famously declared, “If I had to play for my life, I’d choose the Najdorf,” underscoring his faith in 2…d6 structures.
• Garry Kasparov scored 75 %+ with the Najdorf at classical time controls during his peak ( 2851).

Typical Plans for Both Sides

White:

• Open the center with d4 and exploit the d5 outpost.
• Launch a kingside pawn-storm (g4, h4) in the Dragon/Najdorf.
• Employ positional lines like the English Attack or the classical 6.Be2.

Black:

• Counterstrike with …e5 (Najdorf) or …d5 (Scheveningen).
• Exploit the half-open c-file and long-diagonal pressure.
• Play for queenside minority attacks (…b5–b4) or exchange sacrifices on c3.

Fun Fact

In the famous Kasparov vs. Deep Blue match (1997), the computer chose the Najdorf with 2…d6 in Game 5 – a testament to the move’s enduring reputation as Black’s “most combative” answer to 1.e4.