The Special Cat - Sicilian Katalimov P2. Meow!

This is the 2nd blog on the Katalimov. The Katalimov Sicilian like we saw last time is very tricky. So , now we will look at more ways in which white responds.

Enjoy a Kit Kat ( a chocolate bar) while learning more !

First let's refresh up by looking at what is the Katalimov. 1.e4 c5 2. Nf3 b6!! - This is the Katalimov Sicilian. White's best response is to go with d4 cxd4 Nxd4 Bb7 Nc3 and a6! - a key move. Then our plan is to either castle long ( With Qc7) or with short ( with Bb4/Bc5) .

Let's look at this

In these lines we saw how white first goes ultra aggressive with g4 but then tries to defend everything soon and doesn't succeed. This is why the Katalimov is so tricky . Now let's look how white stays calm and plays cautiously

This is the beauty of the Katalimov. White thinks it is the predator but becomes the prey itself.

That is why this Cat is special. Acts like a prey but is the predator.

We will look at endgame mastery pt.02 in the next blog!

Hope you enjoyed this one !

Until Next Time!