Sicilian Defence, Chekhover Variation
The Sicilian Defence, Chekhover Variation is a chess opening named after Vitaly Chekhover, from the game Chekhover–Lisitsin, Leningrad 1938. It is defined by the moves:
On move four White ignores the standard opening principle to not develop the queen too early in the game. Although the Chekhover Variation is somewhat rare at grandmaster level, it is not uncommon among amateurs.
The Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings assigns code B53 to this opening. Main line: 4...Nc6
Black's main response to the Chekhover Variation is 4... Nc6 immediately attacking White's queen, leading to:
- 5. Bb5 pinning the knight: 5...Bd7 6.Bxc6 Bxc6.
- 5. Qa4?! avoiding an exchange and keeping the light-square bishop.
Other continuations
- 4... a6 prevents a future pin: 5.c4 Nc6 6.Qd1.
- 4... Bd7 prepares 5...Nc6.
- 4... Nf6 avoids exchanges and continues with development.
vs Loek van Wely, 2002
Mikhail Tal vs Robert Eugene Byrne, 1976
