Skip to content
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
    • iChess
    • ChessTeacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman`s Chess Lab
    • Foxy Series
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

Sicilian Secret Weapon: The …g5 Plan

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
12.14.2019
Category: Openings
Tags: castling, judit polgar, opening theory, openings, Sicilian, tactical ideas,
Sicilian Secret Weapon: The …g5 Plan

The …g5 Plan: In our previous article, we were showing you a less known idea for black in the Sicilian, castling long in certain positions. This is not the only way you could sometimes surprise your opponent and in this article, we are going to discuss another plan that many times intertwines with the long castling idea we’ve discussed previously. Castling queenside can have a double purpose – first of all, running away from any dangerous attacks on the kingside and center, but it can also be used in an aggressive way when you are preparing counterplay on the kingside.

The idea we are going to present in this article can also be included in the second category and combined with the long castle.

It is well known how important the fight for the center is and the Sicilian is no exception.

The essence of The …g5 Plan

The e5 square is usually an important outpost for black in this defense and the fight for it is quite intense. White usually keeps an eye on it by playing f4, but even in this case black has an interesting way to keep fighting for it – challenging the white pawns with The …g5 Plan! Castling short is of course out of the question now, but it is important to know that you can still play this way even if your king is in the center.

Castling long is always an option, but not mandatory. For example, in the following game, Judit Polgar keeps her king in the center and white is not able to create any threats against it throughout the game:

Sicilian 1

Milos, G – Polgar, J, Sao Paolo 1996
Black to play

In the diagram above it looks like white is in control and, if it was his turn to play, he would indeed get the upper hand after Qh3 followed by g5, for example. However, it is black’s move, which makes white’s visually strong center only a form of over-extension. There are many tactical ideas here and Judit continued with the strong 13…g5!

The point is to break white’s pawn center and obtain an important central square for the knight on d7 – e5. After this move, white is in big trouble and the game didn’t last for much longer.

A fierce attacker, Judit convincingly went on to win the game in style:

 

Sicilian 2

Karjakin, S – Mamedyarov, S, Saint Louis 2018
Black to play

The diagrammed position arises in the Najdorf Variation of the Sicilian, where white develops with 6.h3 followed by 7.g4. Although theoretical, we chose it for the purpose of this article, as it clearly shows our idea.

White has left a few holes in his position with the kingside pawns’ advance, the most important being f4. With this in mind, it makes sense for black to fix white’s pawns. And, to secure the e5 square for his knight as well.

This said, it is no wonder that many players go for the move 8…g5 in this position. The black b8 knight is headed to e5, from where it defends everything. Moreover, it is a square that black will have for the whole game, as it is impossible for white to kick it out of there.

This is exactly what happened in this game as well, while the black king found a safe spot on the queenside after castling long.

The …g5 Plan: Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed the games presented in this article. And, we invite you to give this idea some further study as it can come in useful in your games. And, maybe even as a surprise for your opponents.

We also recommend reviewing Women in Chess: The Old and Sterile Debate.

Thank you for reading!

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

  • Play the Wing Gambit with FM Viktor Neustroev [TCW Academy]Play the Wing Gambit with FM Viktor Neustroev [TCW Academy]
  • Exchange Sacrifice for Defensive PurposesExchange Sacrifice for Defensive Purposes
  • 2 Lesser-Known Patterns In The Sicilian Defense2 Lesser-Known Patterns In The Sicilian Defense
Related Products
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Login
1 Comment
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Alan
12.15.2019 11:29

Nice samples of g5. Much appreciated!

0
Reply
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
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
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
wpDiscuz