In chess, the Katalymov Variation (also spelled Katalimov) is a less popular line of the Sicilian Defence that begins with the moves:
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| Moves | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 b6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ECO | B27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Named after | Boris Katalymov | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parent | Sicilian Defence | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discussion
editThe 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
editReferences
edit- ^ Schiller (1998), p. 405
- ^ Kasparov, Gary; Keene, Raymond (1982). Batsford Chess Openings. American Chess Promotions. pp. 236–37. ISBN 0-7134-2112-6.
- ^ "Magnus Carlsen vs. Christian Bauer – 38th Biel Chess Festival (2005)". Retrieved 29 October 2013.
- ^ "Ray Robson vs. Gata Kamsky – 2012 US Championship". Retrieved 29 October 2013.
- ^ "Pavel Ponkratov chess games". 365Chess.com. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ Benjamin, Joel; Schiller, Eric (1987). Unorthodox Openings. Macmillan Publishing Company. p. 89. ISBN 0-02-016590-0.
- ^ "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.