Understand the Sveshnikov Sicilian
Introduction and Free Preview
The camp Understand the Classical Sicilian is already a digital product. This product includes all the videos from the camp as well as the PGN file related to the training sessions. Overall, the material consists of approximately 9 hours of video and a PGN database which includes 55 files!
You will find the following lectures:
Early Sidelines - GM Renato Quintiliano
Typical Endgames in Svesnikov Sicilian - GM Grigor Grigorov
Theoretical Trends in the 9.Nd5 Line - GM Ivan Cheparinov
Typical Structures in the 9.Nd5 Line - GM Vladimir Georgiev
The Modern Line 7.Nd5 - GM Alexander Khalifman
Theoretical Trends and Typical Structures in the 9.Bxf6 Line - GM Davorin Kuljasevic
Below, we shall take a brief look at the different lectures.
Early Sidelines
In this lecture, GM Renato Quintiliano examines White's deviations on move 6. The starting point of his lecture arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5
At this point, besides the main move 6.Ndb5, White has a bunch of alternative retreats at his disposal. According to Renato Quintiliano, the most serious option is 6.Nde2. Of course, he provides in-depth coverage of all the alternatives.
Below, you shall see one of his lines.
Typical Endgames in Svesnikov Sicilian
In the introduction to the current article, GM Grigorov writes, "Due to the fixed pawn structure, in Sveshnikov Variation we can see many typical endgames. In my opinion, you should start your Sveshnikov journey by examining the arising endgame positions. In this way, when playing a middlegame position, you will know exactly what type of endgame you are looking for."
GM Grigorov mainly analyzes endgames arising from the following position:
This positional variation is rich in thematic endgames. This could be explained by the fixed pawn structure. The PGN version of the lecture is divided into the following topics:
1) Nightmare and Dream Scenarios
2) Positions with Opposite-Coloured Bishops when Black is Dominating
3) White Dominates on the Light Squares
4) Endgames with Heavy Pieces
5) Fighting against White's Queenside Majority in the Endgame
Below, you can see one of the model games:
Theoretical Trends in the 9.Nd5 Line
In this lecture, GM Ivan Cheparinov provides a high-class repertoire for Black against the line with 9.Nd5.
True to his analytical approach, GM Cheparinov examines all the new trends and suggests more than one solution to each of White's critical attempts. Additionally, the lines are rich in new ideas and concepts.
Below, you can see a simple solution against a popular variation.
Typical Structures in the 9.Nd5 Line
In this lecture, GM Vladimir Georgiev shows the most important positional ideas in the variation with 9.Nd5. In that regard, this material is an excellent addition to the lecture of GM Ivan Cheparinov. Besides providing a solid positional foundation, GM Georgiev discusses different theoretical lines and gives important reference points.
Below, you shall see one of the model games.
The Modern Line 7.Nd5
In this lecture, the former World Champion GM Alexander Khalifman discusses the extremely topical 7.Nd5
Here is how GM Khalifman introduces this move himself, "Perhaps it should be called the new main variant, although I prefer the name "Kholmov's variation". So, after 7.Nd5 Black has no choice: he has to take the knight, and naturally, White takes the pawn. This pawn structure has become very important in the 21st century in various variations of the Sicilian Defense. White refuses to use the d5-square with his pieces, and by means of an exchange, he moves the pawn there and strives for a pawn offensive on the queenside.
After 7...Nxd5 8.exd5, Black has to make an important choice: where to retreat with his knight, to b8 or to e7. In general terms, the knight's retreat to e7 is more aggressive, but, on the other hand, Black is required to be more precise because further on, with minimal inaccuracy, one can easily not get out of the opening. The move to b8 is more accurate and more classic, and it's harder not to get out of the opening here, but on the other hand, it's a little more difficult to get active counterplay. One way or another, this choice is primarily a matter of taste."
Below, you shall take a look at one of the theoretical lines.
Theoretical Trends and Typical Structures in the 9.Bxf6 Line
The main focus of this lecture is the line with 9.Bxf6 gxf6
Usually, the arising positions are very dynamic and both sides have the chance to fight for the initiative.
Black has:
1. Dynamic pawn centre
2. Bishop pair advantage
3. Often has to be ready to sacrifice a pawn or two to activate his assets
White has:
1. Better pawn structure
2. Controls light-square complex
3. Usually tries to capitalize on the d5-square and the light squares
After studying this lecture, you will enjoy full repertoire for Black. The good news is that theoretically speaking Black is in very good shape.
Below, you shall see one of the model games.