The Sicilian Defense

Classical Variation

Posted by admin on July 25, 2008 |

The Sicilian Defense variations can be classified as being either open or closed systems. The open lines occur after the moves 2. Nf3 and 3. d4 by white. These three moves result in the c – file opening for black and the d – file for white after the ensuing pawn exchange. These open positions are often rather unbalanced and therefore result in extremely complex middlegames.

The Classical variation of the open Sicilian Defense is recognized by the move 5…Nc6 after the set-up: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 (which can be reached with multiple move orders). With this move Black delays any decision on the development of his dark bishop and brings his knight out to its most natural square.

In this position white has a number of ideas available. The common continuation is the Richter-Rauzer Attack where white plays 6. Bg5. This aggressive move prevents Black from the playing for the Dragon set-up with g7 by forcing Black to respond to the potential capture BxN. Black can respond with the simple 6…e6 which strengthens his center, prevents the immediate doubling of pawns, and makes the e7 square available for his dark bishop. White can continue with Qd2 and then 0-0-0. This plan, introduced by Vsevolod Rauzer, exerts tremendous pressure by White on the half open D-file. This pressure usually forces Black to double pawns on the f-file after BxN because of White’s pressure on the backward d-pawn. The resultant position after this exchange would still be fairly even with each side having different advantages. Black has retained both bishops but will need to figure out how to get them both in the action. White on the other hand has forced Black to double pawns and will often play f4 in an attempt to figure out a way to further weaken Black’s pawn structure.