Kalashnikov Variation | Sicilian Defense Theory
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- The Kalashnikov is a very double-edged variation of the Sicilian Defense which puts both sides to a very complicated positional chess test!
If you are unfamiliar with the basics of the Sicilian Defense, here is an introductory video I made that covers the main opening principles and common variations: • Sicilian Defense (intr...
The Kalashnikov Sicilian is a close relative of the Sveshnikov and the Loewenthal variations - all three are characterized by the aggressive e5 pawn push, forcing the knight from d4 and grabbing central space.
Black is immediately asking white to remove his strong central knight. A piece which is often the central figure of sacrifices in the variations such as the Najdorf. With the knight misplaced, white definitely has less attacking prospects. In compensation for that, white is given two weaknesses to exploit. Black creates a gaping hole on the d5 square because of the move e5, and he is also permanently weakening his pawn structure by creating a backwards d6 pawn.
The middlegame positions in the Kalashnikov, therefore, will most often revolve around d5 - white trying to control the square and black trying to force through d5, opening up the center and destroying white’s central bind, created by the strong pawn on e4.
The variation is fairly straightforward and easy to learn. The theory isn’t as complicated as in some other variations and preparing for it is much easier as well. One thing you should not is that the Kalashnikov Sicilian is extremely hard to play against players who are superior positionally. It requires a lot of planning ahead and a great understanding of weakened pawn structures and weak squares. Don’t let that discourage you, though, it’s also a wonderful training method for improving your positional skills!
#SicilianDefense #Chess #KalashnikovSicilian
I have one contructive criticism, and it applies to a lot of the lines that you cover in your videos, but this video has a very good example. You stress that Nb5 is the only move for white after e5, and you say things like "This is the move you'll see in 99% of your games," but I've often found that this is untrue for sub-master players like myself. I have been playing the Kalashnikov for a while now, and I've found that less than 50% of my opponents actually play Nb5 as most of them are likely unfamiliar with the position and opt for Nf3 or Nb3 because they look "safe." The info you provide in these videos is excellent, but it seems that you often overlook or dismiss the "natural" looking alternatives that don't appear in an opening book even though those are the lines that players working their way up will have to deal with a lot. Aside from this, I love the channel and have learned a ton from you, so thanks!
Most GMs say Nb5 is the best move after e5.
Thanks Stjepane! I'm finally starting to play the Open Sicilian as white, so these videos are very helpful in getting the broad strokes of each variation.
I have Rotella's book but, I like hearing people and seeing people talk about chess and you are on par with him and what he is talking about so, that's reinforcing for me. Great job and thank you.
Very nice Sicilian coverage... thanks & eagerly waiting for 1.d4 coverage
Ohh this is timely great choice. Thanks!
Good, clear instruction. Intro. to the Kalashnikov without lots of confusing variations
I really enjoyed the Caro-Kann series you did, and it really improved my game, but can you do a video on the Caro-Kann Closed Variation; 1. e4 c6 2. d3, or the English, Caro-Kann Defensive System?
c4 c6 will be covered in the English opening series, and the Breyer caro kann will be covered in "middlegame ideas":) Coming up!
Nice content bro
8:00 Just some UFOs crossing the skies. ;-))
18:00 too
clear evidence
lol
Thank you very much Stjepan for your great videos. I'm a beginner and it's really motivating to learn chess with you! Keep it up :)
Hvala Stjepane, bog ti sriće dao
Man. I absolutely adore your opening and concept videos. They are AMAZING :)
Great videos on opening theory! In-depth and clear. Would love to see some 1.d4 openings in the future such as the Dutch or Old Indian (maybe Benko Gambit)
D4 is coming after e4 aand c4 are done. A loot of work to do:) But sometime in the spring it should be done!
@@HangingPawns Take your time! Quality content is worth the wait
Thanks mate:)
love your channel! even for a player with wide repertoire you´re really a library of information!! keep up the good stuff!
Thanks
Thanks for posting the video. I’m a little surprised that you didn’t cover 7... Be7, which seems to be the new critical variation.
Same
Great video , I have been playing pelikan for quiet a few years, I play dragon and just like I sometimes played the accelerated dragon I like this variation skipping Nf6 and accelerating e5, you avoid lot of annoying variations from white such as 6.ndb5 d6 7.nd5 . I like the position out of your video, and like your self at the end of your video where white plays c4 , and you follow with be7, then white moves N1c3, a6 Na3 I would definitely go for f5 instead of Be6. You shouldn’t allow white to breath while playing this position and target d5 square before white gets to do he’s moves. Great video 👍🏻
"I think for aggressive players the kalashnikov is a good weapon to have"
Excellent content.
Thanks:)
Great video !, I learned a lot
I'm glad to hear that! Thanks;)
Really thanks for you! you get a new sub! I hope you do more videos like this!
This is tremendous!!
Can you make a video on the Reti Opening? Thanks!
Coming up:) After e4, c4 and d4 ill cover the Nf3 openings.
Наконец-то я нашёл вариант Калашникова-Левенталя)
Sir, can you make lowenthal veriation for black
what about the move 7. ... Be7 in the N1c3 line? I learned that was the main line....
Same
You did not do the pin variation yet you seem to have good comment on it in your introductory video to the sicilian my first impression was that it was dubious because of engine evaluation but your comment made me think engine might miss evaluate it maybe.
19:50
You can't just tell us to offer a DSB exchange and not explain why it's not terrible for black after the queen takes the d pawn. Looks to me like black's completely busted.
Why would black play 7. … b5, threatening the fork, if white was already going to play 8. Ne2? Isn’t b5 an empty threat?
I wish you had gone over 6. Bc4. I practice against the engines & they play that very often & I after 6. Bc4 Bc6 7. Bc7 I’m confused on what to play for an advantage.
I’m only 1300 so maybe 7 moves of theory is good(?) idk but I’d like to know the ideas in the position to strive for
Thanks for the great video! But I'm new and wondering why @5:07 black didn't Ke4 instead of o-o
Because Qg4, threatening the knight and the pawn; Kf6 loses the game and so does Kxc3
There is a UA-cam channel named "Coffee Chess". You must check out the videos. You will definitely love those videos.
I will! Thanks!
18:03 an UFO in the window
hi, will u tell us what your rating is? thanks
What about Russian your motherly language to use, wouldn´t it be better?
Hi mate, you look like a soldier in this haircut but you look nice with hair only. This haircut is bit suspicious:-P:-P. Another Nice video.:-)
I totally agree with Yaghna about the suspicious haircut :)
@@Spectatorica hahaha.. thanks madam.
Haha:D It grew now:)
"White will always play Nb5"
literally never happens in my games
When you're a chess player and have watched K.G.F 2...
when loss chess match bring back UP AK47
Boring