10. Sicilian Defense - THE MODERN DRAGON VARIATION

The Sicilian Defense, 1 P-K4, P-QB4-a half hold on the center—is the most aggressive of all the comparatively sound defenses at Black's command. From its very beginning, an unbalanced Pawn formation arises, which gives opportunity to both contestants to explore advantages in different direc­tions. The result is unabated action.

The favored line of the Sicilian is known as the "Dragon" Variation. Its name cannot be traced with certainty but is most likely derived from Black's Pawn pattern in the early stages of play—as seen here, it most definitely forms a serpen­tine outline.

The Sicilian dates from Polerio, 1590. Receiving scant at­tention in its incipience, its popularity rose with the celebrated MacDonnell—Labourdonnais match of 1834 and the Staun-ton—St. Amant match of 1843. The great London tournament of 1851 marked the occasion of its first practical test, after which it was relegated to limbo. Since then, it has been re­vived on and off with intermittent success, and its present rating is on the ascent.

The "Dragon" arises as follows:

1 P-K4 P-QB4

The Sicilian Defense. The move 1. . . P-QB4 incorpo­rates a number of ideas. To begin with, it avoids symmetry in the Pawn pattern. Thus, instead of the tedious attempt to neutralize White's initiative, it is an independent action and calls for original planning on the part of the aggressor.

Theoretically, as between White's first move and Black's, White enjoys the edge. White's Pawn at K4 strikes at Q5 and KB5—a center and a near-center square—and Black's Pawn at QB4 strikes at Q5 and QN5—a center and a non-center square. So White's move is more dominating. Yet Black's has its point. To all intents and purposes, it divides the board in two: White commands the King's wing and Black, the Queen's. As the Kings abide on the King-side, Black's plan is to check any undue aggression there and expand on the far side, where he often gains an endgame advantage. For the same reason, however, White dominates the more vital terrain.

2 N-KB3 . . . .

A good developing move with an eye to supporting the following move of P-Q4. The immediate 2 P-Q4 will not do because of . . . PxP; 3 QxP, N-QB3, gaining a valuable tempo for Black.

The ancient alternative, 2 P-QB3, with a view to establish­ing a Pawn center, is of doubtful merit. For, after 2 P-QB3, Black can reply . . . P-Q4 and obtain a free and easy game. As a rule, Black cannot play . . . P-Q4 in the early stages of play for then White captures PxP and, on ... QxP, gains time by attacking the Queen with N-QB3. Once White plays P-QB3, however, and preempts the square QB3, Black can safely play . . . P-Q4. For he no longer need fear N-QB3 and the loss of the tempo.

Another way of continuing is 2 N-QB3. This, however, is not a sharp attempt to obtain minute advantages out of the opening. It is the prelude to a slow, positional, planned de­velopment which can be met by an equally good counter-de­velopment. The resulting position leads to an even game, thus: 2 N-QB3, N-QB3; 3 P-KN3, P-KN3; 4 B-N2, B-N2; 5 P-Q3, P-K3; 6 B-K3, Q-R4; 7 N-K2, N-Q5; 8 O-O, N-K2; 9 K-Rl, O-O; 10 P-QR3, KN-B3; 11 R-QN1, P-Q3; 12 P-QN4, Q-Q1; 13 Q-Q2, R-N1; 14 B-N5,Q-K1.

2 . . . . P-Q3

At this point, Black has a choice of moves, among which are the usual 2 ... N-QB3 and the less usual 2 . . . N-KB3. These moves, however, may involve Black as the butt of a particularly critical attack, for example, the Richter Attack after 2 ... N-QB3. Hence the modern text move, which enables Black to reach a comparatively sound and promising development, without much ado.

3 P-Q4 . . . .

White's plan is to nullify any hold which Black exercises on White's Q4 and, at the same time, maintain and build up his own grip on the center. In doing this, however, he makes a somewhat uneven exchange. He swaps his Queen Pawn—a good center Pawn—for Black's Bishop Pawn—not a center Pawn. Insofar as White's hold on the center is enhanced, the move is good. Over the long term, Black's extra center Pawn should stand him in good stead. Consequently, White's plan is to capitalize his advantage—greater control of the center and terrain—in the near future. Whereas Black attempts to neutralize White's advantage and remain with the extra center Pawn. These considerations are germane to the text move.

Again, White cannot very well build up a Pawn center with 3 P-QB3, to be followed by P-Q4. For, if 3 P-QB3, N-KB3, White's unguarded King Pawn requires an awkward defense—if his Queen Pawn is slated for Q4.

3            . . . . PxP

White threatens 4 PxP, PxP; 5 QxQch, denying Black the privilege of castling. Since there is no other good way of pre­venting this, Black exchanges.

Certain advantages, however, accrue to Black from the exchange. First, he swaps an inferior Pawn for a superior one. Also, he opens his Queen Bishop file for future use.

4            NxP . . . .

Not 4 QxP, as . . . N-QB3 gains a tempo.

4            . . . . N-KB3!

An important interpolation. The text move is not just a developing move. It is the developing move. Any other may involve Black in serious positional difficulties. It is necessary to understand the reason for this.

White's mainstay in the center is his King Pawn. If this falls or is exchanged or if Black establishes a strong Pawn of his own in the center, then White's control vanishes—while Black remains with an extra center Pawn. So Black eyes the possibility of ... P-Q4, constantly. Technically, however, 4 ... P-Q4 is impossible. If 4 ... P-Q4, then 5 PxP, QxP; 6 N-QB3, and White is too far ahead in development. But Black must keep the possibility open. If he continues with any move, say 4 ... P-KN3, White replies with 5 P-QB4 and closes the chance of ... P-Q4 forever more. If White succeeds, more­over, in playing P-QB4, he nullifies all the pressure which Black hopes to exert on his own, open Queen Bishop file. The text move precludes the possibility of P-QB4 for White, under favorable circumstances, and keeps White constantly on guard against a Black . . . P-Q4.

5            N-QB3 ....

This blocks the move P-QB4. Black need no longer concern himself over that possibility.

There are, indeed, other ways for White to protect his King Pawn and still retain the option of playing P-QB4. But they leave much to be desired. For instance, if 5 P-KB3, P-K4; 6 N-N5, P-QR3; 7 N/5-B3, B-K3, and there is no good way of preventing 8 ... P-Q4. Thus, if 8 N-Q5, NxN; 9 PxN, B-Q2, Black's Pawn pattern is better.

Note that 6 ... P-Q4 will not do: 7 PxP, NxP; 8 QxN, QxQ; 9 N-B7ch, and a full piece accrues to White.

5 . . . . P-KN3

The Dragon Variation. Black intends to fìanchetto his King Bishop and so dominate the long diagonal throughout the center of the board.

Observe here that Black cannot play 5 ... P-Q4. For, after 6 PxP, NxP; 7 B-N5ch, Black has no good move.

6 B-K2 ....

A good post for the Bishop. For it clears the path for cas­tling and prevents Black from playing . . . N-N5 later on. Of course, 6 ... N-N5 is meaningless. But, in some contin­gencies, say when White develops his Queen Bishop at K3, the move may be purposeful.

6 P-KN3, followed by 7 B-N2 is also good for White, inas­much as it practically prevents . . . P-Q4 for all time.

Another possibility is 6 P-B4 in attempt to refute Black's formation by storm. In that case, Black must play carefully, for a misstep will be fatal. Thus, if 6 P-B4, best is 6 ... N-B3. Then, if 7 NxN, PxN; 8 P-K5, N-Q2, Black's position is tenable. The following gamelet is indicative of what can hap­pen when Black goes astray; 6 P-B4, B-N2?; 7 P-K5, PxP; 8 PxP, N-Q4; 9 B-N5ch, K-B1; 10 O-O, BxP; 11 B-R6ch, K-Nl; 12 NxN, QxN; 13 N-B5! Q-B4ch; 14 K-Rl, Q-B2; 15 B-QB4, BxN; 16 RxB, B-B3, and White mates in five! -17 Q-Q5, P-K3; 18 QxKP, PxQ; 19 BxPch, Q-B2; 20 RxB and mate next move (Horowitz—Carrigan, simultaneous exhibition).

1. . . .O-OB-N2 O-O

Development goes on apace. Black now threatens to get the better game with 8 . . . P-Q4.

8 N-N3 . . . .

To clear the Queen file so Black is unable to play . . . P-Q4.

8            . . . . N-B3

Developing—so as not to interfere with the mobility of the other men.

9            P-B4 . . . .

Preparing for a King-side Pawn assault and also making way for 10 B-B3 to prevent . . . P-Q4. In this way, White sews up control of the center.

9 . . . . P-QR3

So that Black's Queen can establish a haven at Black's QB2 without fear of being molested by a White Knight at its QN5. Also, Black is preparing a Queen-side Pawn advance for the future.

It is possible for Black to play 9 . . . P-QN4 without losing a Pawn. This, however, is a somewhat involved combination. Thus, if 9 . . . P-QN4; 10 BxP, NxP! whatever piece White captures, Black is able to recover with 11 . . . Q-N3ch. White, however, retains the better game simply with 10 B-B3.

10 B-B3 Q-B2

White is for choice because of his control of the center, though play is extremely difficult for both sides.

White's further plan may consist of a King-side Pawn as­sault, beginning with P-N4. This is perilous, however, in the event that it miscarries. White may occupy Q5 or the open Queen file or try to utilize all the different advantages in con­junction with each other.

Black has prospects on the open Queen Bishop file, after developing his Queen Bishop either at Q2 or K3. He may maneuver a Knight to QB5, where it exerts a bind on the Queen-side, and follow with a Queen-side Pawn advance.

Conclusions

The Modern Dragon Variation of the Sicilian Defense offers Black about as good prespects as Black can expect in any line. While, theoretically White is for choice, practically, the onus of proving the advantage rests on White, and a mis­step can be fatal—to White.

Chess Movie

CLASH OF CHAMPIONS!

When the irresistible Alekhine meets the immovable Botvin-nik, what happens? Chaos? . . . No, just a rollicking jambo­ree, with chessmen being blown to the four winds. This game between world champion Alekhine and the future world champion Botvinnik was played at Nottingham, 1936. It opens with 1 P-K4, P-QB4; 2 N-KB3, P-Q3; 3 P-Q4, PxP; 4 NxP, N-KB3; 5 N-QB3, P-KN3; 6 B-K2, B-N2 (see diagram No.1).

1

 There follows 7 B-K3, N-B3; 8 N-N3. Alek­hine prevents the free­ing move or . . . P-Q4. Bot­vinnik, however, continues with 8 . . . B-K3, preparing the Pawn advance and eyeing Black's strategic QB5 for fu­ture reference. Alekhine plays 9 P-B4, and Botvinnik follows with 9 . . . O-O.

2

 The usual move here is the safe and sane 10 O-O. But usual moves are foreign to world champion Alekhine. He will make the move that will hurl his op­ponent from the Sessel—some­thing original that will teach this pretender a lesson. 10 P-N4 is the move. It signals an attack.

3

Botvinnik hurls defi­ance at his noted adver­sary. He will not be scared into abject retreat. De­spite the vise-like grip which White maintains on his Q5, Botvinnik assails the mid-sec­tion. 10 . . . P-Q4 is his ad­venturous reply. The ensuing complications baffle even the giants of chessdom.

4

 There follows 11P-B5, B-Bl; 12 KPxP, N-N5. Botvinnik has sac­rificed a Pawn but now threat­ens to recover it. If Alekhine relinquishes his material plus, his position will remain in tatters. What devilish con­tinuation can infuse new life into what is becoming a mere matter of technique?

5

 13 P-Q6 is the prob­lem-like rejoinder. To 13 . . . QxP, Alekhine re­plies 14 B-B5, forking Queen and Knight. Again, Botvinnik has to escape from a predica­ment. It is important to keep track of material. For the day of reckoning may not be far off, and material still has its relative value.

6

 Botvinnik defends his Knight with 14 . . . Q-B5. Alekhine chases the Queen by 15 R-KB1. A Black "critter" is doomed. Still Alekhine's King Rook Pawn is en prise, and Botvin­nik stoops to pick this up with 15 ... QxRP. No equivalent for a Knight. But open lines to the White King promise action.

7

 There follows 16 BxN, NxP. Another "critter" is immolated on Caissa's altar to pacify the White monarch. This method of making peace is no olive branch variety; it is the meat cleaver! The throne of the White King is demanded, and Black will not abide a sultry "no" by way of an answer.

8

Alekhine plays 17 BxN, out of compulsion, and 17 . . . Q-N6ch is the reply. Now Alekhine has two pieces for a few paltry Pawns. But what can he dor Not K-K2, Botvinnik would take a Bishop with a check and one without. Nor K-Q2 either, be­cause of ... B-R3ch with even more dire consequences.

9

 Alekhine plays 18 R.-B2, Botvinnik follows with . . . Q-N8ch. Again, what is Alekhine to do? Not K-K2. For it still loses both his Bishops. Nor yet K-Q2. For it would cost all his ma­terial gain, and, to boot, his King would fall. Still he has a preponderance of material. He may find something.

10

bated breath. Sure­ly, the world champion will pick something out of the thin air. . . . Alekhine, how­ever, retires gracefully with 19 R-B1. The move signifies his intention to draw, and a draw is agreed upon by the contestants. What a pretty fin­ish. Perpetual check!

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