Sicilian Defence, Katalymov Variation

Sicilian Defence, Katalymov Variation

a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h
Moves	1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 b6
ECO	B27
Named after	Boris Katalymov
Parent	Sicilian Defence

In chess, the Katalymov Variation (also spelled Katalimov) is a less popular line of the Sicilian Defence that begins with the moves:

1. e4 c5

2. Nf3 b6

Discussion

The Katalymov is considered inferior since it commits Black to a plan with ...b6 rather than more aggressive Sicilian defences incorporating ...b7–b5. ^[1] Black must protect the b5-square, as an invasion by a white knight or bishop would be very annoying. For example, White retains a slight plus after 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Bb7 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bd3 g6 7.f4 Bg7 8.Nf3 d6 9.0–0 Nf6 10.Qe1 0–0 11.Qh4 Nbd7 12.Bd2. ^[2]

The opening is a favorite of French GM Christian Bauer, with which he managed to draw a game in 2005 against currently top-ranked GM Magnus Carlsen. ^[3] It has also been used by top players such as Gata Kamsky, ^[4] Russian GM Pavel Ponkratov ^[5] and Soviet GM Lev Psakhis. ^[6]

The opening is named after Soviet IM Boris Katalymov (1932–2013). ^[7]

See also

• List of chess openings
• List of chess openings named after people

References

1. Schiller (1998), p. 405
2. Kasparov, Gary; Keene, Raymond (1982). Batsford Chess Openings. American Chess Promotions. pp. 236–37. ISBN   0-7134-2112-6.
3. "Magnus Carlsen vs. Christian Bauer – 38th Biel Chess Festival (2005)" . Retrieved 29 October 2013.
4. "Ray Robson vs. Gata Kamsky – 2012 US Championship" . Retrieved 29 October 2013.
5. "Pavel Ponkratov chess games". 365Chess.com. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
6. Benjamin, Joel; Schiller, Eric (1987). Unorthodox Openings. Macmillan Publishing Company. p. 89. ISBN   0-02-016590-0.
7. "The risky Katalimov Sicilian". 23 September 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.

Bibliography

• Schiller, Eric (1998). "Katalymov Sicilian". Unorthodox Chess Openings . Cardoza Publishing. pp.  405–08. ISBN   0-940685-73-6.