B33

Sicilian Defense: Open

Key moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5

The Sveshnikov Variation is one of the most dynamic and theoretically important lines in the Sicilian Defence. Black accepts a backward d-pawn and a hole on d5 in exchange for active piece play and counterattacking chances.

History & Notable Players

Developed by Evgeny Sveshnikov in the 1970s and later championed by world champion Vladimir Kramnik. It transformed understanding of dynamic compensation in chess.