| Openingname: | Sicilian Defence, Katalymov Variation |
| Moves: | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 b6 |
| Eco: | B27 |
| Nameorigin: | Boris Katalymov |
| Parentopening: | Sicilian Defence |
In chess, the Katalymov Variation (also spelled Katalimov) is a less popular line of the Sicilian Defence that begins with the moves:
1. e4 c5
2. Nf3 b6
The Katalymov is considered inferior since it commits Black to a plan with ...b6 rather than more aggressive Sicilian defences incorporating ...b7–b5.[1] Black must protect the b5-square, as an invasion by a white knight or bishop would be very annoying. For example, White retains a slight plus after 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Bb7 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bd3 g6 7.f4 Bg7 8.Nf3 d6 9.0–0 Nf6 10.Qe1 0–0 11.Qh4 Nbd7 12.Bd2.[2]
The opening is a favorite of French GM Christian Bauer, with which he managed to draw a game in 2005 against currently top-ranked GM Magnus Carlsen.[3] It has also been used by top players such as Gata Kamsky,[4] Russian GM Pavel Ponkratov[5] and Soviet GM Lev Psakhis.[6]
The opening is named after Soviet IM Boris Katalymov (1932–2013).[7]
Bibliography
. Eric Schiller . Unorthodox Chess Openings . . 1998 . Katalymov Sicilian . 405–08 . 0-940685-73-6 . registration .