Sicilian Defence, Katalymov Variation

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

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

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. https://www.365chess.com/players/Pavel_Ponkratov
6. Benjamin, Joel; Schiller, Eric (1987). Unorthodox Openings. Macmillan Publishing Company. p. 89. ISBN 0-02-016590-0.
7. "The risky Katalimov Sicilian". Retrieved 29 October 2013.

Bibliography

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