The Sicilian Defence, Chekhover Variation (also sometimes called the Szily Variation or Hungarian Variation) is a
chess opening named after
Vitaly Chekhover, from the game Chekhover–Lisitsin, Leningrad 1938.[1] It is defined by the moves:
On move four
White ignores the standard
opening principle to not develop the
queen too early in the game. Although the Chekhover Variation is somewhat rare at
grandmaster level, it is not uncommon among amateurs.[2]
Black's main response to the Chekhover Variation is 4...Nc6 immediately attacking White's queen, leading to:
5.Bb5 pinning the knight: 5...Bd7 6.Bxc6 Bxc6.
5.Qa4?! avoiding an exchange and keeping the light-square bishop.
5.Qe3 a non-ambitious reply, often played in conjunction with Be2, 0-0, Nc3 (with or without c4), and Bd2. This system has been coined the Harikrishna System by
IMAlexandru-Bogdan Banzea,[4] as it has recently been used by
super grandmasterPentala Harikrishna in over-the-board games with positive results as White.[5]
Other continuations
4...a6 prevents a future pin: 5.c4 Nc6 6.Qd1.
4...Bd7 prepares 5...Nc6.
4...Nf6 avoids exchanges and continues with
development.