Sveshnikov Variation | Sicilian Defense Theory

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Sicilian Sveshnikov is one of the most popular and most thematic variations of the Sicilian Defense. It has all the main features of the opening – the d5 weakness, the backward d6 pawn and the early initiative for black.

The opening used to be called Lasker-Pelikan variation, after the first two players who helped develop its theory, but now it’s referred to as the Sveshnikov Variation. It was named after Evgeny Sveshnikov, who was the main exponent of the opening in the 70s, and the grandmaster who helped develop the theory of the modern Sveshnikov Sicilian.

For an introduction to the Sicilian Defense, watch this video on the basics: youtu.be/impkeLfyyVM

Study the Kalashnikov Variation (an accelerated version of the Sveshnikov) here: youtu.be/KoM5y8Siw4A

The Sveshnikov Variation is a very aggressive opening choice for black. Black forces the white knight out of the center with the early 5...e5, and concedes to two major weaknesses in the center: he is left with a permanent hole on d5 – the square around which the whole position often revolves, and a backwards d6 pawn, which can often be an easy target for white.

The good news for Sicilian players who choose this variation is that it doesn’t take too much learning to get a feel of the position and to learn the basic patterns, move orders and piece placement. There aren’t too many branches and you should be able to play with ease.

As for the games you should study, definitely analyze Evgeny Sveshnikov’s games. Two other notable mentions are Kramnik and Leko. They both have some marvelous games in the variation.

#chess #SicilianDefense #Sveshnikov