The Sicilian Defense is a very popular chess opening, as it can be often seen in several chess games, from the club-level players to the world top grandmasters. Today we’re going to discuss about the Sveshnikov variation, which is very aggressive. Usually, in the Sicilian Defense, and especially in the Sveshnikov, Black fights for the initiative right from the beginning of the game. It has the following move order: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5 6.Ndb5 d6.

This opening variation is named after a Russian Grandmaster, Evegny Sveshnikov, who was the main driving force of the variation in the 1970’s. As you can see from the above position, White seems to be having better control over the center, and he would want to take advantage of the d5-square by getting an outpost for his knight.

So, what should the basic plan for Black be? How and where can he develop his two bishops? How should he react when White tries to occupy the d5-square?

Today our guest coach, FM Marko Makaj, has prepared a really high-quality video lesson for you, in which he will explain to you the typical ideas and plans in this variation by showing you the main line and its variations.

You can watch the video lesson below:
 

 
P.S. Did you like this video lesson? Have you played this variation or played against it (as White)? Please, feel free to write your impressions on this opening variation in the comments below. 🙂 Let’s discuss!