Reversed Sicilian
Black plays e5, transposing to a Sicilian Defense structure but with White having an extra tempo.
ECO Code
A20-A39
Difficulty
Intermediate
Style
Positional/Flexible
Strategic Ideas for White
- Sicilian reversed: Play Sicilian Dragon or Accelerated Dragon with extra tempo
- Development advantage: Extra tempo provides superior piece coordination
- Kingside attack: Build kingside pressure with g3, Bg2, f4-f5
- Central control: Use tempo advantage for better central control
- Initiative: Maintain the initiative throughout the opening and middlegame
- Positional pressure: Create long-term positional advantages
Main Setup Variations
Dragon Formation
White adopts reversed Dragon formation with improved coordination.
Closed System
Closed English system targeting long-term positional advantages.
Accelerated Dragon
Immediate fianchetto creating accelerated Dragon structures.
Reversed Sicilian Concept
In the Reversed Sicilian, White plays a Sicilian Defense setup but with the advantage of moving first. This extra tempo often proves crucial in tactical and positional play. White typically fianchettoes the king's bishop and aims for kingside pressure while maintaining central flexibility.
Key Strategic Themes
For White
- Tempo advantage: Use the extra tempo for superior coordination
- Kingside pressure: Build attack with f4-f5, h4-h5
- Central flexibility: Maintain options for central breaks
- Piece activity: Achieve superior piece placement
- Long-term planning: Build gradual positional advantages
For Black
- Central counterplay: Challenge White's central control
- Active development: Develop pieces to optimal squares
- King safety: Ensure adequate king protection
- Pawn breaks: Use ...d6-d5 or ...f7-f5 for counterplay
- Piece coordination: Coordinate pieces for defensive and offensive purposes
Typical Pawn Structures
English Formation
The classic English vs. Sicilian pawn structure where White enjoys space advantage and better piece coordination.
Dragon Structure
When Black adopts Dragon setup, White benefits from improved coordination and attacking chances on the kingside.
Closed Formation
Closed pawn chains where White typically pushes f4-f5 for kingside expansion while Black seeks queenside counterplay.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the f4-f5 advance: Don't push f4-f5 without adequate preparation - Black can create central counterplay
- Neglecting queenside development: Focus too much on kingside attack while ignoring piece development on the queenside
- Allowing ...d6-d5 break: Permitting Black's central break can quickly equalize the position
- Premature kingside castling: Sometimes maintaining central flexibility is more important than immediate king safety
- Ignoring Black's counterplay: Black has several active plans - don't become too focused on your own attacks
Learning Path
Study Recommendations
- Study Sicilian Defense: Understanding normal Sicilian structures is crucial for reversed play
- Master typical plans: Learn standard English Opening plans like f4-f5, Nd5, and Re1-e4
- Analyze Botvinnik games: Study the World Champion's masterful handling of English Opening structures
- Practice kingside attacks: Study attacking patterns with g3-Bg2-f4-f5 setup
- Understand pawn breaks: Learn when and how to execute d3-d4 and f4-f5 advances
- Endgame technique: Study typical English Opening endgames with central pawn majorities
Famous Games Expanded
Botvinnik vs. Capablanca
A masterpiece of strategic understanding where Botvinnik demonstrated the power of the tempo advantage in reversed Sicilian structures. The game showcased patient maneuvering followed by decisive central and kingside pressure. Botvinnik's handling of the position became a template for future generations.
Kasparov vs. Karpov
Modern treatment showing how the system evolved with contemporary understanding. Kasparov's dynamic piece play and central control demonstrated the opening's continued relevance at the highest level. The game featured innovative ideas that influenced modern theory.
Petrosian vs. Fischer
A positional masterclass where Petrosian's deep understanding of pawn structures led to a memorable victory. The game illustrated how White's extra tempo can be converted into lasting positional advantages through precise maneuvering and optimal piece placement.
Kramnik vs. Topalov
Contemporary example showing how modern grandmasters handle the Reversed Sicilian. Kramnik's technique in converting small advantages into winning positions demonstrated the opening's enduring strategic value in top-level competition.
Related Openings
Master the Reversed Sicilian
Learn this powerful English Opening system that gives you Sicilian attacking chances with an extra tempo.
Back to English Opening Explore Symmetrical English