Chekhover Sicilian

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Chekhover Sicilian
Image:chess zhor 26.png
Image:chess zver 26.png a8 rd b8 nd c8 bd d8 qd e8 kd f8 bd g8 nd h8 rd Image:chess zver 26.png
a7 pd b7 pd c7 d7 e7 pd f7 pd g7 pd h7 pd
a6 b6 c6 d6 pd e6 f6 g6 h6
a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5
a4 b4 c4 d4 ql e4 pl f4 g4 h4
a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 nl g3 h3
a2 pl b2 pl c2 pl d2 e2 f2 pl g2 pl h2 pl
a1 rl b1 nl c1 bl d1 e1 kl f1 bl g1 h1 rl
Image:chess zhor 26.png
Moves 1.e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Qxd4
ECO B53
Named after Vitaly Chekhover
Parent Open Sicilian
Chessgames.com opening explorer

The Sicilian Chekhover Variation is a chess opening named after its most famous practicioner Vitaly Chekhover.[1] Although the Chekhover Variation is rarely played in grandmaster games, it is actually not uncommon among amateurs.[2] White avoids modern opening theory on move three - stating never to move the queen out early in the game as it is a target in the center. The move order goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Qxd4?![3]

[edit] Responses for Black

Black's main response to the Chekhover Variation is the obvious looking 4...Nc6 attacking White's queen, however, there are many more to choose from.

  • 4...Nc6 - The most popular response
    • 5. Bb5 - Pinning the knight: 5...Bd7 6. Bxc6 Bxc6
    • 5. Qa4?! - Avoiding an exchange and keeping the light squared bishop
  • 4...a6 - Preventing a future pin: 5. c4 Nc6 6. Qd1
  • 4...Bd7 - Preparing for 5...Nc6
  • 4...Nf6 - Avoiding exchanges and continuing development

[edit] References

  1. ^ Vitaly Chekhover
  2. ^ Commoness among amateurs
  3. ^ Sicilian ECO: B53

[edit] External links