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