Guide to the Sicilian Defense
Introduction
Welcome. This will be an every growing article with more and more detailed information on the Sicilian Defence as I learn more about this opening.
My main source of information is a book written by the author Tim Sawyer, but first let's take a quick look at the lessons available from chess.com:
Chess.com lessons
Pawn Structures That Win - The Sicilian Endgame - GM Aman Hambleton
https://www.chess.com/lessons/pawn-structures-that-win/pawn-structures-that-win-sicilian
Sicilian Sveshnikov -Do you want to know why the Sicilian Sveshnikov was the opening Magnus Carlsen used to defend his World Championship Title? https://www.chess.com/lessons/learn-the-sicilian-sveshnikov
Sicilian Kalashnikov - https://www.chess.com/lessons/how-to-play-the-kalashnikov
Sicilian Nimzowitsch - https://www.chess.com/lessons/the-sicilian-nimzowitsch-variation
Sicilian Nimzowitsch/Rossolimo - https://www.chess.com/lessons/a-kaleidoscope-of-openings/sicilian-nimzowitsch-rossolimo
Sicilian Smith-Morra Gambit - https://www.chess.com/lessons/a-kaleidoscope-of-openings/sicilian-smith-morra-gambit
Closed Sicilian -Try the Closed Sicilian, where White can delay a tactical skirmish and start a powerful kingside attack, but Black is not without good counter chances https://www.chess.com/lessons/learn-the-closed-sicilian
Sicilian with e6 - 2...e6 is a flexible move that can lead to the Sicilian Taimanov, the Sicilian Kan, the Pin Variation and even the Sicilian Four Knights
https://www.chess.com/lessons/learn-the-sicilian-with-2-e6
Sicilian Alapin - The Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defense is a logical attempt for White to avoid the complexities of the Open Sicilian. White aims to control the center, but risks falling behind in development.
https://www.chess.com/lessons/learn-the-sicilian-alapin-variation
https://www.chess.com/lessons/a-kaleidoscope-of-openings/sicilian-alapin
Sicilian Dragon - If you're looking for a complicated and fighting line to play against 1.e4, this might be the line for you. If you play 1.e4 and want to know how to handle the Dragon, you'll also want to take a look.
https://www.chess.com/lessons/learn-the-sicilian-dragon
Sicilian Dragon Variation - https://www.chess.com/lessons/a-kaleidoscope-of-openings/sicilian-dragon-variation
Understanding the Sicilian Dragon -The Dragon is one of the most ferocious openings in all of chess! Both sides frequently start sacrificial attacks on the opponent’s king right out of the opening. This course will show you the key tactics and strategic ideas for both sides https://www.chess.com/lessons/understanding-the-sicilian-dragon
The Fighting Dragon -Join IM Keaton Kiewra on a tour of his favorite opening, the Dragon Sicilian. The Dragon has long been a favorite of attacking stars like Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen. https://www.chess.com/lessons/the-fighting-dragon
Sicilian Najdorf - Do you want to know why the Sicilian Najdorf is one of the most popular openings for Grandmasters and club players alike? https://www.chess.com/lessons/learn-the-sicilian-najdorf
Sicilian Najdorf, 6.Bg5 variation - https://www.chess.com/lessons/a-kaleidoscope-of-openings/sicilian-najdorf-6-bg5-variation
Sicilian Accelerated Dragon - https://www.chess.com/lessons/a-kaleidoscope-of-openings/sicilian-accelerated-dragon
Sicilian Dragondorf - Simon Williams, the Ginger GM, demonstrates a sharp and lesser-known defense, the Sicilian Dragodorf Variation. Simon combines the sharp Dragon and Najdorf variations to make a flexible and sharp defensive system https://www.chess.com/lessons/why-simon-loves-the-sicilian
How to Slaughter the Dragondorf - Game against a 2200 by Magnus Carlsen
Sicilian Velimirovic Attack - https://www.chess.com/lessons/a-kaleidoscope-of-openings/sicilian-velimirovic-attack
Beating the Anti-Sicilians - Do you play the Sicilian but have trouble against all the little sidelines your opponents can try? GM Ben Finegold understands! He frequently plays big open tournaments where it’s essential to win with the Black pieces. He’ll show you how by using his own games as examples of fighting chess against many Sicilian sidelines! https://www.chess.com/lessons/beating-the-anti-sicilians
Slaying the Sicilian: Kingside Storms -Tired of getting mated by Sicilian aficionados? Turn the tables with killer kingside pawn storms!
https://www.chess.com/lessons/slaying-the-sicilian-kingside-storms
Books on the Sicilian Defense
There are many dozens of books on the Sicilian Defense, I cannot list them all, but here are a few that you can consider reading
GM Gawain Jones - How to beat the Sicilian defence: an anti-Sicilian repertoire for White (Everyman Chess) - This has 3 chapters on Moscow variation, one chapter on Hybrid variation, four chapters on Rossolimo Variation, two chapters on King's Indian Attack, and a final chapter on other second moves for Black.
Dorian Rogozenko - Anti-Sicilians: Guide for Black (Gambit 2003)
Joe Gallagher - Beating the Anti-Sicilians (Batsford 1994)
GMs John Emms, Peter Wells, Richard Palliser - Dangerous Weapons: The Sicilian (Everyman Chess 2006)
Jesus De La Villa - Dismantling the Sicilian (New in Chess 2009)
Notable YouTube Videos
Anish Giri teaches the Sicilian Najdorf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucaCZSCRTxU
Games from the Sicilian Defense Book
The book mostly covers games that the author played himself.
The kindle version currently has a special offer price so I decide to buy it and learn the many Sicilian variations. This book also covers Queen's Pawn openings where c5 and e5 are subsequently played, and the Alekhine's Defence with 2.e5 and 4.c5
It does not contain any diagrams only annotated chess notation, so I am gradually converting the games into PGNs (where needed).
(If you are a relative beginner, there is a short series by IM Astaneh covering Sicilian opening theory in less than 2 hours here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9RQPxG_e-LlZd1KglWCASjaLv0cjUpzX which serves as a good foundation for the following games.
Or there is a much more in depth series from Hanging Pawns totaling 11 hours here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=impkeLfyyVM&list=PLssNbVBYrGcDUDYiWilH-mQxXM4ixS2z6 )
I reached out to the author for advice for beginners who are learning the Sicilian defence. I found his reply helpful and will share it here:
"As a rule, studying exact opening lines becomes more important the higher your rating goes. Near the 1000 range, general principles suffice, such as play pawns toward the center, develop all your pieces, and don't waste time.
Players at your current level can lose pawns or pieces every 5 to 10 moves. The most important thing you can do is to keep your pieces safe. If you stay alert, your opponents may lose so much material that you can gain an overwhelming advantage. As you win those games, your rating will rise.
After you get better at holding on to your own pieces, focus on making threats against your opponent's position, such as checkmates or combinations to win pawns or pieces. This pushes you in the direction of a 1500 rating.
Above that level, you make progress as you make double threats. Attacks two pieces at once, or threat mate and a pawn, etc.
There are so many things to study in chess, I recommend you study what you find fun! That keeps your energy going."
Sicilian games library
I am putting together collections of games played by the top players, categorized by opening.
These can be found here:
Taimanov variation: https://www.chess.com/library/collections/sicilian-defense-taimanov-variation-2ywqTk2J2
Closed variation: https://www.chess.com/library/collections/sicilian-defense-closed-QRT4D7vn
Open, Dragon variation: https://www.chess.com/library/collections/sicilian-defense-open-dragon-31iDoRgEA
Open, Scheveningen variation: https://www.chess.com/library/collections/sicilian-defense-open-schevenigen-2qgAwvi1C
Open, Najdorf variation: https://www.chess.com/library/collections/sicilian-defense-open-najdorf-8t8MMdyQ
Sicilian Kan, Knight variation: https://www.chess.com/library/collections/sicilian-kan-nc3-5B1PPSTY
Games from Tim Sawyer's book:
Chapter 1 - Various Lines
1. Sicilian Bg2 without Nc3 (Keres variation)
(Background on the Keres variation: https://thechessworld.com/articles/openings/the-keres-variation-against-the-sicilian-defense/ )
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/4BUwZQfYEi
2. Snyder Anti-Sicilian 2. b3
Normand Corneau v Jocelyn Bond 2012
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/3Q76fAWQea
3. Faydi Draw Wing Gambit
(For Wing Gambit theory from IM Ostrovskiy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3LSucfWeYw )
Jonathan Faydi (FIDE rated 2138) vs Fritz 13 13.06.2014
4. Short Grand Prix Eilmes
(The Grand Prix Attack is a way for White to surprise Black, also known as the McDonnell attack, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqJOyV9_Bms&list=PLssNbVBYrGcDUDYiWilH-mQxXM4ixS2z6&index=5 for details)
corr APCT 1979 Don P. Eilmes (1948) - Sawyer (2000) 1-0
Sawyer's annotations are kind on himself, marking moves 20 and 22 as mistakes, whereas the chess.com analysis engine calls these blunders and gives Sawyer a lowly 31.2% accuracy rating.
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/2gsx36QzgN
5. Parsons Trapped Bishop
Match against David Parsons, Williamsport, PA, 28.11.2000
Grand Prix / McDonell Attack opening
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/9mN2a5xei
2.d4 d5 Smith-Morra Gambit games
https://www.chess.com/explorer?moveList=e4+c5+d4+cxd4&ply=4&origMoves=e4+c5
(Smith-Morra Gambit opening theory from Hanging Pawns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTcd3onnOWA&list=PLssNbVBYrGcDUDYiWilH-mQxXM4ixS2z6&index=10)
6. Mik Jorgensen 4. dxc4
Blackmar-Diemar Gambit declined resembling an offbeat Albin-Counter Gambit reversed.
(IM Rozman explains the Blackmar-Diemar Gambit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxtUxgupAHY )
Mik Jorgensen v Arunn Ananthan Bronshoj Lang Weekend 13.02.2012
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/4YQzxUBx4E
A long endgame before a draw is agreed 1/2 - 1/2
7. Famous Bourne Identity
Correspondence match against the lower rated Alfred Scott Bourne (1635)
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/2N8f1rJoCi
8. Mark Kluge
Sawyer (2182) - Kluge (1726) 02.10.1989
Albin-Counter Gambit Reversed, aka Blackmar-Diemar, Dries Couterattack
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/5bgBiGdA78
Mistake made on move 4. "I don't feel like playing with an exposed king. Good game!" Kluge resigns after move 7.
9. Yang Haiden 3. Nc3 dxe4
Yang Hainan (2137) - Chan Peng Kong (2264) Hong Kong Open 2014 1-0
https://ratings.fide.com/view_pgn.phtml?code=99982
10. WFM Khlichkova 6. b3
Khlichkova (2249) - Zaiatz (2408) 64th ch-RUS HL w 2014 Vladivostok 06.06.2014
WFM Khlichkova also known as Tatiana Maletina
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1757635
2.d4 cxd4 games (B21 Smith-Morra Gambit)
11. Guido De Bouver Blog
De Bouver - Staes, Belgium 2012 1-0
12. Saturday TV Westerns
Tim Sawyer - Edward Sawyer, corr (2), 21.05.1974 1/2 - 1/2
13. Smashing Smith-Morra
Ray Haines - Edward Sawyer, corr Maine, 1974 1-0
14. Smith-Morra by Taylor
(Hanging Pawn's guide to the Smith-Morra gambit is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTcd3onnOWA&list=PLssNbVBYrGcDUDYiWilH-mQxXM4ixS2z6&index=10 )
Taylor - Warren, Illinois open 1965 0-1
Smith-Morra Accepted, Scheveningen Formation
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/3SLFLbcra2
Later on in this book there is a tribute to the late Jim Warren.
Here is a good example of this great chess player.
15. Smith Morra vs Sildmets
Smith-Morra Accepted, Scheveningen Formation
Sawyer (2100) - Sildmets (2356), corr APCT 1982 0-1
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/BoqCbZqEe
96.1% vs 96.7% accuracy
Sawyer says "I had chances in this game, but I got outplayed by the master. It was a privilege to play Sildmets."
2.c3 Alapin games
( chess.com Alapin lessons: https://www.chess.com/lessons/learn-the-sicilian-alapin-variation
Alapin opening theory from Hanging Pawns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGP0qWscORM&list=PLssNbVBYrGcDUDYiWilH-mQxXM4ixS2z6&index=4 and from Gothamchess aka IM Rozman here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxV8l3x7hOg )
16. Morris Meets My 2.c3
Sawyer (2100) - Morris (2250) 1/2-1/2
There seems to be a typo in the notation because 14. Rc1 can't be played due to the bishop being on c1.
17. Chandler Mating Attack
5 min blitz game Bill Chandler as "ProjectAlpha" vs TommyRuff 1-0
This one is more heavy on annotation, as blitz games tend to feature more mistakes. Sawyer says "Lighten up. It's a game. Have fun!"
18. Alapin 2.c3 Chess Mess
Another blitz game, with Sawyer losing to the higher rated player. Black resigns on move 21.
messchess (2626) - Sawyer (2391), ICC 3 1 u Internet Chess Club, 27.11.2002 1-0
19. Alapin Curious King Move
Rookie (2486) - Sawyer (2241), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 05.09.2009 1/2 - 1/2
20. Baffo Two Pawns Attack
https://www.chess.com/openings/Alekhines-Defense-Two-Pawns-Lasker-Variation-4...Nd5-5.Nc3-e6
Baffo (2273) - Sawyer (1960), corr USCF 18.03.1996 1/2-1/2
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/UNZPJb2AA
21. Mike Sharp 2.c3 Attack
Sharp (2050) - Sawyer (2050), corr APCT 1980 0-1
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/4EW6u3Xe7x
Sawyer outplays Sharp in a rook ending. 91.3% vs 99.1% accuracy
22. Sicilian vs David Taylor
Taylor (2200) - Sawyer (2050), corr ACPT 1980 1/2-1/2
2.Nc3 games (leading to closed Sicilian and Grand Prix variations)
23. Run Over By Closed Ruiz
USCF Master Glenn James Ruiz (2083) - Sawyer (2100), corr APCT 1982 1-0
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/3xMHoYa1m8
An inspired move 22 by Ruiz, outplaying Sawyer.
24. Richy Rich Grand Prix
RichyRich - Sawyer, ICC 3 0 Internet Chess Club 11.12.2012 0-1
25. Taormina Grand Prix
Daniel J. Taormina (1241) - Sawyer (2010), Williamsport chess club, PA 15.05.2001 0-1
26. Wolff Closed Sicilian
Stephen D. Wolff (2200) - Tim Sawyer (2000), corr CCLA 1980 1-0
Chapter 2 - 2. Nf3 without 2...d6
Wikipedia is a great source for learning the names for different variations. This chapter covers a variety of Open Sicilian games.
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Chess_Opening_Theory/1._e4/1...c5/2._Nf3
27. Sicilian Alapin Dragon
This is known as the Hyper-Accelerated Dragon variation: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Chess_Opening_Theory/1._e4/1...c5/2._Nf3/2...g6
sr2015 - Sawyer, ICC 3 0 Internet Chess Club, 13.12.2012 0-1
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/3UeeYCxTN6
A close opening game ending early due to blunder on move 15.
28. Delayed Wing Stretch
Deferred Wing Gambit opening is a type of Open Sicilian https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Chess_Opening_Theory/1._e4/1...c5/2._Nf3/2...d6
Stretch - Sawyer, Levittown, PA (5), 16.05.1982 0-1
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/433nLgZG6A
There appears to be some mistake in the notation towards the end of the match because White is easily winning when White resigns.
29. Haines Never Gave Up
Sawyer quote Winston Churchill in tribute to Haines' tenacity in this hard earned draw.
Morgan (2047) - Haines, Maine, 10.04.2014 1/2-1/2
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/3aAtGu4CNr
30. Cat Who Played Bb5+
chesspurr - Sawyer, ICC 3 0 Internet Chess Club 20.09.2014 0-1
2.Nf3 Nc6 games
31. King's Indian Attack
Muir (1800) - Sawyer (2011), Williamsport, PA 1995 0-1
32. Draw 3375 with 3. c4
A hyper-accelerated dragon game where Sawyer drew with a very strong chess engine. After 17 moves the LinuxKnight engine decided to play for draw by repetition.
LinuxKnight (3375) - Sawyer (1951), ICC 3 0 u Internet Chess Club 09.06.2008 1/2-1/2
33. Lack of Decision
Sawyer - Haines, Ft Fairfield, ME 20.12.1973 0-1
34. Skip Spence 2.Bc4
Spence - Sawyer, Williamsport, PA 1996 0-1
35. Ready for Rossolimo
The Rossolimo variation begins with 3. Bb5
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Chess_Opening_Theory/1._e4/1...c5/2._Nf3/2...Nc6/3._Bb5
Hanging Pawns covers Rossolimo Attack theory here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iddK1iAVP70&list=PLssNbVBYrGcDUDYiWilH-mQxXM4ixS2z6&index=12
Lovenstein (1503) - Sawyer, Hatboro, PA 26.07.1984 0-1
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 games
36. Irish Experiment Murray
There are many Open Sicilian variations after 4. Nxd4
In this game John Patrick Murray went off the beaten track with an early ...a6
Sawyer - Murray, Williamsport, PA 1994 1-0
37. Accelerated Pawn Push
Another opponent playing outside of the Open Sicilian opening theory, and easily defeated
Sawyer (2010) - Zdun (1634) 1-0
38. How to Play 4...d5!?
4...d5 begins the Open Sicilian Nimzovich variation but that line was not followed through and apparently not known by Heyn.
Sawyer (2011) - Heyn (1751) 1-0
It was all over after 13 moves.
39. Kalashnikov by Hofford
Kalashnikov variation: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Chess_Opening_Theory/1._e4/1...c5/2._Nf3/2...Nc6/3._d4/3...cxd4/4._Nxd4/4...e5
Sawyer - Hofford (1694), corr APCT 1977 1-0
4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5 games
40. Save Seconds Short
Sawyer (2280) - Fuerte2004 (2250), ICC 3 0 Internet Chess Club 2009 1/2-1/2
41. Sicilian Result Oriented
The Sveshnikov variation begins with 5...e5
The chess.com analysis engine identifies 5...e5 as "Pelikan and Sveshnikov Variations" https://www.chess.com/openings/Sicilian-Defense-Open-Pelikan-and-Sveshnikov-Variations
and for this game against Jim Marfia it is called the Lasker-Pelican variation
Sawyer (2050) - Marfia (2050), corr APCT 1980 1/2-1/2
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/3JZ5bjp3dp
42. Fighting Sveshnikov
Sawyer gives some information on the history of these opening names:
"Emmanuel Lasker played 5...e5 a couple time in 1910. Pelikan played it quite a bit in the 1950s. In the mid-1960s Gennadi Timoshchenko and Evgeny Sveshnikov both played it in big tournaments. They continued through the 1970s. Eventually the name "Sveshnikov Variation" stuck."
Sawyer likes the book Sicilian: Lasker-Pelikan by Wade, Speelman, Povah and Blackstock.
In this game against Minai Harabor it leaves the opening book at move 9 when black plays 9...Be7
https://www.chess.com/explorer?moveList=e4+c5+Nf3+Nc6+d4+cxd4+Nxd4+Nf6+Nc3+e5+Ndb5+d6+Bg5+a6+Na3+d5+Nxd5&ply=17
Harabor (2100) - Sawyer (2000), corr CCLA 1980 0-1
(According to ECO, the Sveshnikov variation actually starts with 8...b5 see
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM5KUWXPkbo&list=PLssNbVBYrGcDUDYiWilH-mQxXM4ixS2z6&index=20 )
43. Draw EggSalad 3146
EggSalad is a strong chess engine.
Sawyer (2382) - EggSalad (3146), ICC 5 0 u Internet Chess Club, 28.01.2000 blitz game 1/2-1/2
Accelerated Dragon Games
(Accelerated Dragon opening theory from Hanging Pawns here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd1eKLJ3DGQ&list=PLssNbVBYrGcDUDYiWilH-mQxXM4ixS2z6&index=2)
44. Count Blacula Sicilian
Blacula - Sawyer, ICC 3 0 Internet Chess Club 2012 0-1
45. Hidden Queen Trick
Open, Accelerated Dragon, Modern Variation
Sawyer (2010) - Zdun (1634) 1-0
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/5iSs5NzCRc
46. Roman Accelerated Dragon
(Here Sawyer recommends the book "Chess Openings for Black, Explained: A Complete Repertoire" by GM Dzindzichasvili. GM Perelshteyn, GM Lev Alburt and Al Lawrence. These authors also wrote a Chess Openings for White book.)
Sawyer - Magarinos, Orlando, FL, 04.12.2003 1/2-1/2
47. Dragon Capablanca Style
Sawyer - capablanca, ICC 2011, 1-0
48. Peter Dyson in Dragon
Sawyer was the underdog against NM Dyson so intentionally left the main opening book paths with 8.Bb3
Sawyer (1966) - Dyson (2141), 14th Space Coast Open 2007 0-1
49. Daly Dragon Draw
Accelerated Dragon, Modern Variation
Sawyer (1959) - Daly (2111), Florida State Championship 2007 1/2-1/2
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/qexWzDvaS
50. Sicilian Dragon Escape
Sawyer (2377) - ATtheGreat (1550), ICC 2 12 u Internet Chess Club 14.02.2004 1/2-1/2 drawn by mutual agreement
51. Taylor Benoni to Sicilian
Tim Sawyer - Allen Taylor, Williamsport, PA 1995, 1-0
52. Ted Talks Maroczy Bind
Tim Sawyer (2000) - Theodore J. Greiner (2000), corr CCLA 1980 1/2-1/2
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/2aXhFNnHRG
1 inaccuracy by White, no mistakes or blunders, 87.7% vs 86.6% accuracy
2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 games - French Variation
(The French Variation can becomes a different variation soon after.
It can become the Kan variation, or the Open Scheveningen variation, on move 5
- see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CxgfDX44Ug&list=PLssNbVBYrGcDUDYiWilH-mQxXM4ixS2z6&index=8 for Kan variation details)
53. Baffo Scheveningen
Tim Sawyer (1986) - Jeffrey Baffo (2248), corr USCF 95P139, 08.04.1996, 0-1
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/2KfpHtJByg
2 blunders by White. 18 best moves by Black. 76.1% vs 95.6% accuracy
54. Haines Sicilian Switch
Sawyer - Haines, Ft Fairfield, ME 19.02.1974 1-0
Chapter 3 - 2.Nf3 d6
(For an introduction to 2....d6 opening theory see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWUjbWze8FU&list=PL9RQPxG_e-LlZd1KglWCASjaLv0cjUpzX&index=1 starting 6 minutes in)
55. Sicilian Qxd4 or Nxd4
4. Qxd4 was popular in the 1980s but 4. Nxd4 is much preferred today.
In this game Qxd4 was played and White was ultimately checkmated.
Hro61 - Ray Haines, chess24, 17.02.2016 0-1
56. Strategy Fails to Tactics
Ray Haines - Caleb Hunter, Presque Isle, ME 05.01.2016 1-0
57. Haines Gambit Sicilian
Sawyer is a fan of his friend Haines and even wrote a whole book of his games: https://chessmaine.net/chessmaine/2020/01/the-chess-games-of-ray-haines.html
As I see more and more of his games, I have an increasing admiration for his chess skills.
Sawyer calls 5.Bc4!? Haines Gambit because Haines taught it to him. chess.com calls it the Ginsberg Gambit.
https://www.chess.com/openings/Sicilian-Defense-Open-Ginsberg-Gambit
Haines - Mohamed Moufeed, Chess24 28.01.2016 1-0
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/346GY28aLW
58. 5.Bc4 Gambit vs Chaney
Ginsberg Gambit again
Sawyer - Ron Chaney, corr APCT Q-36, 1976 1-0
59. Morin Defeats 5.Bc4
Ginsberg Gambit again
Ray Haines - Roger Morin (2002), Houlton, Maine (3), 15.11.2014 0-1
60. Haines 5.Bc4 Gambit
Haines - Morin (2029), Presque Isle, Maine, April 2013 1-0
61. Keres Attack 6.g4
Sawyer - Haines, corr 1980 1-0
62. Mike Porter 5...e6 6.Bc4
Porter - Haines, Potato Blossom Festival Ft Fairfield, Maine (3), 13.07.2013 1-0
4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 games
63. Rhudy Dragon Patriots
Open, Dragon, Levenfish Variation
Sawyer (2000) - Rhudy (1662), corr APCT 1979 1-0
All over in 18 moves. The chess analysis thinks 15...Qb6 is a blunder because it allows a forced mate in 8 moves. Sawyer's notes didn't consider 15...Qb6 to be a mistake, but 12...e5? and 13...f6? were definitely mistakes.
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/VLXbh578A
64. Carlisle Brandt Dragon
Sawyer (2011) - Brandt (1800), 4th Saturday Carlisle Open (1), 25.05.1996 1-0
65. Dragon Rook Battle
Sawyer (2038) - Protej (2401), ICC 3 0 u Internet Chess Club draw by repetition 1/2-1/2
66. Zdun Dragon Double
Sawyer (2010) - Zdun (1634), Williamsport, PA 04.04.2000 1-0
67. Dragon Chess Ideas
Sawyer - Blitshteyn (1747) 1-0
68. Halwick Sharp Dragon
Sawyer (2157) - Halwick (2386), corr ICCF 1995 1-0
69. Four Rook Sacrifices
Sawyer (2000) - Sah (1950), corr APCT 1979 1/2-1/2
70. Dragon vs Troy Daly
(Here Sawyer recommends "A Ferocious Opening Repetoire" by Cyrus Lakdawala)
This game was played shortly before Daly became a chess master.
Sawyer (1964) - Daly (2161), Space Coast Open (1), 08.05.2009 0-1
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/4dSToZtUiA
71. Vehvilainen with Dragon
Open, Dragon, Old Line variation
Tim Sawyer - Pertti Vehvilainen (2359), corr ICCF 1986 0-1
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/3kyz6j3z3G
Vehvilainen makes 20 best moves on top of his 11 book moves, and is rated 97.8% accuracy
72. Sicilian Dragon Novelty
Tim Sawyer (2000) - Daniel M. Horwitz, corrr APCT 1979 1-0
73. Sicilian Dragon Breath
Sawyer - bjerky, ICC 3 0 Internet Chess Club, 18.11.2012 1-0
74. Erv Sedlock Dragon
Open, Dragon, Main Line
Sawyer (2150) - Sedlock (2000), corr APCT 1982 1-0
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/3fApiSjan2
4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 Richter-Rauzer Sicilian variation games
(For Richter-Rauzer opening theory see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB2KeP_JAeM )
75. Sicilian Classical 6.Bb5
Guest - Haines, chess24, 17.02.2016 1/2-1/2
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/PMVKPBdaW
76. Zdun Rauzer with Be6
Sawyer (2010) - Zdun (1634), Williamsport, PA 06.02.2001 1-0
77. Sicilian Richter-Rauzer
Sawyer - cassiopea, ICC 3 0 Internet Chess Club 1-0
78. Taylor Rauzer Sicilian
Sawyer - Taylor, Williamsport PA 1995 1-0
79. Haines Kasparov Sicilian
Open, Scheveningen, Classical Variation
Michael Mockler (2059) - Ray Haines, World Open (3), 1982 0-1
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/sxrzYFDp2
80. Commons Beats Benko
Kim Commons (2415) - Pal Benko (2515), USA-ch Oberlin (8), 1975 1-0
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1718961
81. James Davies 7.s3 Sozin
B88: Open, Scheveningen, Sozin, Leonhardt variation
Davies (2170) - Sawyer (2050), corr APCT 1980 1/2-1/2
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/pgn/4LtyiPsseW
82. Sicilian Sozin vs Sogin
Sawyer (1973) - Sogin (1683), corr APCT 1994, 1-0
83. Sozin Bachler vs Fawbush
Bachler - Fawbush, corr 1982, 0-1
84. Tribute to Jim Warren
Bobby Fischer - Jim Warren, Cicero simul 20.05.1964 1/2-1/2
https://www.chess.com/games/view/15776311
Chapter 4 - Najdorf
5.Nc3 a6 games
85. Eric Smith Sharp Sozin
Smith - Sawyer, Williamsport, PA 1994 0-1
86. Chaney vs 6.Bc4 Najdorf
Bachler - Chaney, APCT corr 1992 0-1
87. Garcia Palermo 6.g3
GM Carlos Garcia Palermo (2398) - Cavicchi (1855), Fsi Arena online 3 0 blitz 0-1
88. Early Learning Najdorf
Sawyer - Mercier, University of Maine 1972, 0-1
89. Salisbury Sicilian Sacrifice
Sawyer - Salisbury, UMO Championship 1972, 1-0
90. Tommy Johns Sicilian
Sawyer - Johns, University of Maine, 1973, 1-0
91. Maine Stanley Elowitch
Tim Sawyer - Stanley Elowitch, Maine Champ (4), 1977, 0-1
92. Sicilian Gift Horse
Tim Sawyer - Curtis Rhudy, corr APCT 1977, 1-0
93. Surviving Palkendo
Russell Palkendo - Tim Sawyer, 4th Saturday Carlisle Open (2), 1996, 1/2-1/2
5.Nc3 a6 6.f4 games
94. Jeffrey Moore 6.f4
Moore - Sawyer, Hatboro, PA simul 1985, 0-1
95. Vestergaard 6.f4 e6
Vestergaard - Sawyer, corr ICCF 1984, 1-0
96. Pelle Lingsell 6.f4 e5
Sawyer (2007) - Lingsell (2093), ICC 3 0 Internet Chess Club, 04.11.2012, 1-0
5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 English Attack games
97. Jackson Morrison 6.Be3
Morrison (2208) - Sawyer (2157), corr ICCF 1994, 1/2-1/2
98. Hardison English Attack
Roger Hardison - Ray Haines, Houlton Open (1), 05.03.2016, 0-1
99. 6.Be3 Harold Obando
Sawyer (1966) - Obando (2046), 14th Space Coast Open (3), 28.04.2007, 0-1
5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 games
100. Loose Pieces by Taylor
Tim Sawyer - Allen Taylor, Williamsport, PA 19.09.2000, 1-0
101. Curt Jones Champion
Sawyer - Jones, corr TCA 1978, 1-0
102. Gabasjelisjvili 6...Nbd7
Tim Sawyer - G. Gabasjelisjvili, corr ICCF 1984, 0-1
103. Price and Polugaevsky
Price (2054) - Sawyer (1900), Lansdale, PA 22.05.1982, 1/2-1/2
104. Chaney Poisoned Pawn
Sawyer (1944) - Chaney (1972), corr APCT EMN-A-4 1997, 0-1
105. Poisoned Pawn Najdorf
Sawyer - Raudenbush, Lansdale, PA 03.12.1980, 1-0
106. Viveiros Najdorf 9...Nc6
Sawyer (2050) - Viveiros (1800), corr APCT 1980, 1/2-1/2
107. Swazey Sicilian Simul
Sawyer - Swazey, simul Williamsport, PA 1996, 1-0
108. Improvement 9...Nbd7
Sawyer - Swazey, simul Williamsport, PA 1996, 1-0
109. Chaney Najdorf 10.g4
Sawyer (2000) - Chaney (1900), corr APCT 1979, 0-1
110. Win vs Chaney 11.h4!?
Sawyer (2050) - Chaney (1900), corr APCT 1980, 1-0
111. Taylor Najdorf 10.Bd3
Sawyer - Taylor, Williamsport PA simul 1996, 0-1
112. Walter Browne Memory
Tribute to the late GM Walter Browne
Timman (2540) - Browne (2575), Wijk aan Zee (6), 0-1
B99: Najdorf, Main Line
https://www.chess.com/games/view/228753
I am also working my way through the "World's Greatest Chess Games" book which features about a dozen amazing games featuring the Sicilian Defence.
Game 1: Alexander McDonnell - Louis Charles de Labourdonnais. 4th match, 16th games, London 1834, Sicilian Defence, Löwenthal Variation
https://www.chess.com/analysis/game/master/84
agadmator review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ1CV3yQHJI
Alexander McDonnell vs Louis Charles Mahe De La Bourdonnais "Labourdonnais Picnic" (game of the day Sep-03-2012) London m4 ;HCL 18 (1834), London ENG Sicilian Defense: Old Sicilian. Open (B32)
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cd4 4. Nd4 e5 5. Nc6 bc6 6. Bc4 Nf6 7. Bg5 Be7 8. Qe2 d5 9. Bf6 Bf6 10. Bb3 O-O 11. O-O a5 12. ed5 cd5 13. Rd1 d4 14. c4 Qb6 15. Bc2 Bb7 16. Nd2 Rae8 17. Ne4 Bd8 18. c5 Qc6 19. f3 Be7 20. Rac1 f5 21. Qc4 Kh8 22. Ba4 Qh6 23. Be8 fe4 24. c6 ef3 25. Rc2 Qe3 26. Kh1 Bc8 27. Bd7 f2 28. Rf1 d3 29. Rc3 Bd7 30. cd7 e4 31. Qc8 Bd8 32. Qc4 Qe1 33. Rc1 d2 34. Qc5 Rg8 35. Rd1 e3 36. Qc3 Qd1 37. Rd1 e2
Game 10: Emanuel Lasker - William Napier, Cambridge Springs 1904,
Sicilian Defence, Dragon Variation
https://www.chess.com/games/view/15756657
Game 36: Paul Keres - Laszlo Szabo, USSR - Hungary Match-Tournament, Budapest 1955, Sicilian Defence, Richter-Rauzer Attack
https://www.chess.com/games/view/67337
Paul Keres sacrifices both his Rooks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRbtMVxBLYI
Game 39: Mikhail Tal - Aleksandrs Koblencs, Training game, Riga 1957, Sicilian Defence, Richter-Rauzer Attack
Complicated even for Tal's Standards - Student Surpasses the Teacher!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxtPmioYJrU
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cd4 4. Nd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 e6 7. Qd2 Be7 8. O-O-O O-O 9. Nb3 Qb6 10. f3 a6 11. g4 Rd8 12. Be3 Qc7 13. h4 b5 14. g5 Nd7 15. g6 hg6 16. h5 gh5 17. Rh5 Nf6 18. Rh1 d5 19. e5 Ne5 20. Bf4 Bd6 21. Qh2 Kf8 22. Qh8 Ng8 23. Rh7 f5 24. Bh6 Rd7 25. Bb5 Rf7 26. Rg1 Ra7 27. Nd4 Ng4 28. fg4 Be5 29. Nc6!? Bc3 30. Be3 d4 31. Rgh1! Rd7 32. Bg5 ab5 33. R1h6!? d3? 34. bc3 d2+ 35. Kd1 Qc6 36. Rf6+ Rf7 37. Qg7+
Others to follow.
