The De-Russification of Chess: Ten "Russian" Chess Openings that should be Renamed
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked international condemnation and sanctions against Russia and its leaders. FIDE has banned Russia from hosting events and displaying the Russian flag. Even retired chess legend GM Anatoly Karpov, now a member of the State Duma, has been sanctioned for voting in favor of Russia's "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine, and FIDE has stripped him of his "FIDE Ambassador for Life" title.
Still, more can be done by the global chess community to punish Russia for its illegal war of aggression. Given the longstanding influence of Russian players on the game, several openings have been named after Russia, its places, or its people. Russian culture no longer deserves these honors.
Here are the top 10 chess openings that should be stripped of their Russian names.
1. Russian Game
Alternate Name: This opening already has a popular alternative name, the Petrov Defense (also spelled Petroff Defense). While Alexander Petrov was Russian, he did not support the invasion of Ukraine, having died in 1867, so we can give him a pass.
2. Russian Defense of the Ruy Lopez
Alternate Name: This is also known as the Steinitz Defense Deferred. Let's just all agree to forget it was ever called the Russian Defense.
3. Moscow Variation of the Sicilian Defense
Alternate Name: Also called the Canal–Sokolsky Attack. Let's go with that from now on.
4. Moscow Variation of the Semi-Slav Defense
New Name: Kiev Variation of the Semi-Slav Defense. Being the capital of Ukraine, Kiev has earned the right to have an opening to call its own. How fitting that it should be in the Semi-Slav, as the war is between two mostly Slavic nations.
5. Leningrad Variation of the Dutch Defense
New Name: Mariupol Variation of the Dutch Defense. While the Siege of Leningrad will always have a place in the history books, the modern day Siege of Mariupol has been nearly every bit as horrific. Only this time it is Russia playing the role of the villain.
6. Leningrad Variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense
New Name: Kharkiv Variation of the Nimzo-Indian Defense. Like Mariupol, the eastern city of Kharkiv has suffered months of Russian bombardments and attacks. It is only fitting to honor the many civilians there who have been needlessly killed by this senseless war.
7. Siberian Trap in the Smith-Morra Gambit
New Name: Ukrainian Trap in the Smith-Morra Gambit. Indeed, the Ukrainians have proven to be excellent at laying traps for the invading Russian forces. Need I say more?
8. Volga Gambit
Alternate Name: This opening is more widely known as the Benko Gambit. If it must have a second name, then I suggest the Dnieper Gambit, after Ukraine's largest river.
9. Karpov Variation of the Ruy Lopez
New Name: Zelenskiy Variation of the Ruy Lopez. Look, I get it, it is named after Karpov because he contributed to the theory. So it would not make sense to name it after another chess player. But it certainly cannot remain under the name of a disgraced GM authorizing a genocidal war. Therefore, I propose it be renamed after Ukraine's inspirational wartime president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
10. Karpov Variation of the Caro-Kann Defense
New Name: Klitschko Variation of the Caro-Kann Defense. The mayor of Ukraine,
Vitali Klitschko, and his twin brother, Wladimir Klitschko, have shown incredible leadership by remaining in Kiev even as the city was being surrounded by Russian troops. They deserve this opening more than the cowardly Karpov who votes for war and death from the safety of Moscow.
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P.S., for anyone wanting to support Ukraine by playing a truly "Ukrainian" opening, look up the Ukrainian Variation of the Old Indian Defense.
