Sicilian Defense - Chandler Variation

1. e4 c5 2. Bb5?

Hi, my name is Joel Adolph, and I discovered this rather unsound looking move playing 5-minute blitz at my local chess club. Obviously, it is pure crap, but there is a neat idea behind it: For if black tries to get his queenside expansion (with tempo) before blocking the c4-f7 diagonal, he will lose his queenside rook.

After discovering this neat trap, I sent my analysis to expert Geoff Chandler at www.chessedinburgh.co.uk who did a short analysis of the trap and its continuations, and wrote an article about it in his column. He gives me credit on his website for the trap, but I think if this variation were to be given a name, it should be his.

Interestingly, not only is the move dubious to begin with, but further analysis has shown that even if black falls for the trap, white cannot hold onto the captured material! He must end up sacrificing another minor piece and pawn to prevent his queen from becoming trapped, and with correct play black will have a much better game. The variations after Qxa8 are very sharp, and fun to play through (much of it is forced) so I thought I would share them with you.

Black has to find the right moves, and white can try a few other tactics - but ultimately he will lose his Lady, or lose the game trying to save her.

I don't reccomend that anybody play this variation as white, but I wanted to share it all with you because I think the continutions are interesting, and rather unique and beautiful in a way. Hope you enjoyed it!

2...a6 3.Bc4 e6

Bam, refuted

Yes, naturally.