Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Pelikan Variation

Before the first move

The Sveshnikov variation is one of the most ambitious systems for Black in the Sicilian. By playing an early e5, you accept a permanent weakness on d5 in exchange for dynamic piece play and central space. It leads to sharp, unbalanced positions where both sides fight for the initiative from the very first moves.

1. e4White

White starts with e4, the most popular and aggressive choice at all levels. By occupying the center, White invites an immediate response. Black has many ways to fight back, but the Sicilian Defense is the most uncompromising reply.

1... c5Black · your move

Move your pawn to c5 to enter the Sicilian Defense. By attacking the d4 square from the flank, you create an asymmetrical position where you aim to trade a wing pawn for one of White's central pawns later.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, the standard entry into the Open Sicilian. Alternatives like the Bowdler Attack with Bc4 or the Keres Variation with Ne2 are less common but require different defensive setups from Black.

Other paths here: Qg4 (Sicilian Defense: Amazon Attack) · Bc4 (Sicilian Defense: Bowdler Attack) · Nh3 (Sicilian Defense: Brick Variation) · g4 (Sicilian Defense: Grob Variation)

2... Nc6Black · your move

Bring your knight to c6. This develops a piece and adds a second attacker to the d4 square. You are challenging White's plan to open the center and preparing for a complex struggle in the middle.

Other paths here: f5 (Sicilian Defense: Brussels Gambit) · h6 (Sicilian Defense: Bücker Variation) · g6 (Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Dragon) · e5 (Sicilian Defense: Jalalabad Variation)

3. d4White

White plays d4, the most ambitious way to challenge the Sicilian. Instead of this, White sometimes tries the Rossolimo Attack with Bb5 to avoid the main line theory, but d4 leads to the most critical battles.

Other paths here: Bb5 (Sicilian Defense: Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack) · b4 (Sicilian Defense: Portsmouth Gambit) · b3 (Sicilian: 2...Nc6 3.b3) · Bc4 (Sicilian: 2...Nc6 3.Bc4)

3... cxd4Black · your move

Capture the pawn on d4 with your c-pawn. This trade is essential to your strategy, as it removes White's central pawn and opens the c-file for your future counterplay with your heavy pieces.

Other paths here: e6 (Sicilian Defense: Franco-Sicilian Variation)

4. Nxd4White

White recaptures with Nxd4, establishing a strong central presence. Now Black must decide how to develop; options like the Accelerated Dragon with g6 or the Kalashnikov with e5 are popular alternatives here.

4... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6, attacking the e4 pawn. This forces White to respond to the threat, usually by developing the other knight, and prepares your kingside for eventual castling.

Other paths here: g6 (Sicilian Defense: Accelerated Dragon) · Qc7 (Sicilian Defense: Flohr Variation) · Qb6 (Sicilian Defense: Godiva Variation) · e5 (Sicilian Defense: Löwenthal Variation)

5. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, defending the center and developing another piece. This is the starting point for many Sicilian variations, including the Classical with d6 or the Four Knights with e6.

5... e5Black · your move

Push your pawn to e5 to challenge the knight on d4. This is the defining move of the Sveshnikov. You are seizing space and kicking the knight, even though it leaves a hole on d5 for White to exploit.

Other paths here: Qb6 (Sicilian: Open, 2...Nc6, 5...Qb6) · d6 (Classical Sicilian) · e6 (Sicilian - Four Knights Variation)

Where you stand

The position is highly imbalanced. White will typically jump the knight to b5 to exploit the d6 weakness, while Black will seek active piece play and often prepare the f5 pawn break. Both sides must play with extreme precision, as one tactical slip can end the game immediately in such a sharp opening.

• d4-b5 Knight targets the d6 weakness
• c1-g5 Pin the knight to pressure d5
• f7-f5 Kingside expansion and central counterplay
• c8-e6 Bishop defends the d5 hole