TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • TCW Academy
    • Chess-Teacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman Chess Lab
    • Foxy Chess
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
    • Rules Chess Strategies
    • Others
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

Kalashnikov Sicilian: 10 Reasons to Play It

FM Zaur Tekeyev
FM Zaur Tekeyev
04.30.2021
Category: General Information
Tags: bad bishops, Classical Sicilian, FM Zaur Tekeyev, Kalashnikov Sicilian, Sicilian pawn structures
Kalashnikov Sicilian: 10 Reasons to Play It

Kalashnikov Sicilian variation is not something you would usually hear a lot about, but it is an interesting line and quite a great practical choice for Black. It was used by La Bourdonnais against McDonnell back in 1834 but was not really popular until recent years. The reason is that similar to the Sveshnikov, it allows White’s knight to jump to the central outpost on d5, which used to be considered bad to allow. But modern chess is more concrete and people realized that this drawback can be compensated by dynamic factors with the interest.

The ideas of the Kalashnikov are easy to grasp; it doesn’t require much memorization, allows dynamic play, and has a lot of other advantages as well. Let’s discuss them in more detail below: here are 10 reasons to add this option to your repertoire.

1.  It is sound

You will be able to play the Kalashnikov regularly: it is a totally sound variation that is hard to get an advantage against.

2.  Kalashnikov Sicilian: Trusted by strong players

Magnus Carlsen, Teimour Radjabov, Daniil Dubov, and many other top players have been enjoying this variation for many years. It is also worth mentioning that legendary Evgeny Sveshnikov nowadays mostly prefers the Kalashnikov over the system named after him.

3.  It gives a broad choice for Black

In Kalashnikov, White’s main lines are 6.c4 and 6.N1c3. In both cases, Black has a broad choice of sub-lines. This is great because you will be able to vary your opening play and make it difficult to prepare for a game against you.

4.  Kalashnikov Sicilian: Less explored than the other Sicilians

Chess players do not play this variation as often as the Najdorf, the Dragon, or the Sveshnikov, and therefore people can still find many new ideas. This makes it more interesting to play and allows you to show some creativity.

5.  Your king will be safe

The usual Sicilian scenario is a razor-sharp game with some crazy attacks and sacrifices, pawn storms, and races… You will not see it in the Kalashnikov. Both sides usually castle the same side, and this makes the game more solid and positional. Of course, both sides can try some active plans and ideas but overall Black’s king is always safe.

6.  Less theory to learn

It is less researched than the other Sicilians and it makes it easier to learn. You don’t usually need to memorize much here and can even play relying mostly on ideas.

7.  Kalashnikov Sicilian: You will practice typical Sicilian pawn structures

Black puts their central pawns on e5 and d6, which is quite the case in the Najdorf, the Sveshnikov, the Classical Sicilian, and some other lines. This means that the plans are going to be similar in all of the aforementioned variations, and the experience of playing one of them will help with the other ones.

8.  Good addition to the Sveshnikov Sicilian

The Kalashnikov is like a little brother of the Sveshnikov variation. They are very similar in the spirit and sometimes can even transpose one into the other. In the future, it will be easy to study and understand the Sveshnikov after the Kalashnikov and vice versa.

9.  Kalashnikov Sicilian: Your opponents will not be well-prepared

People devote most of their time to studying how to meet the most played openings and variations. Against the Kalashnikov, they will most likely not be prepared at the same level and try to play similarly to what they do against the Sveshnikov. This usually is not dangerous for Black. Moreover, at the club level, most of the people do not even know how to meet Sveshnikov. Hence, they will not have any patterns to follow.

We also recommend reviewing Chess Self Improvement Guide.

10.  It will teach you important strategic concepts

You will learn about outposts, good and bad bishops, dark-squared strategy, minority attack, pawn breaks, many other things that every chess player should know really well.

Start Winning with Kalashnikov Sicilian!

GM Misa Pap brought in his 10-hour video training on the Sicilian Kalashnikov – where he covers the main ideas behind Black’s setup, the positional opportunities, the dangers lurking behind, and helps you prepare a deep and thorough repertoire for those willing to play the line as Black.

https://thechessworld.com/store/product/sicilian-defense-kalashnikov-variation-with-gm-misa-pap/

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • Unleashing the Rossolimo Attack with FM Zaur Tekeyev [TCW Academy]Unleashing the Rossolimo Attack with FM Zaur Tekeyev [TCW Academy]
  • Petroff Defense: Complete GuidePetroff Defense: Complete Guide
  • Owen’s Defense: Complete GuideOwen’s Defense: Complete Guide
Related Products
5 2 votes
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
  • Play Computer
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Money Back PayPal SSL Comodo
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]om
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz