Kalashnikov: 6.N1c3 a6 7.Na3 b5 is variation 2 of 6 in the Sicilian Kalashnikov and Four Knights course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO B32). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5 …. White develops the knight to c3. Black chases the b5 knight and takes space with ...b5. Against 8.Nd5 the g8 knight goes to e7, not f6. Then the c6 knight jumps into d4. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... c5 – The Sicilian. Black fights for d4 from the side.
2. Nf3 – White develops and prepares to open the centre.
2... Nc6 – Black develops and watches d4.
3. d4 – White opens the centre.
3... cxd4 – Black takes and gets the half-open c-file.
4. Nxd4 – White takes back with the knight.
4... e5 – The Kalashnikov. Black kicks the knight at once.
5. Nb5 – The knight eyes the d6 hole.
5... d6 – Black covers d6.
6. N1c3 – White develops and keeps the c-pawn at home.
6... a6 – Black kicks the b5 knight.
7. Na3 – The knight retreats to a3.
7... b5 – Black takes space and keeps the knight out of c4.
8. Nd5 – The knight jumps to d5, the hole in Black's camp.
8... Nge7 – The Kalashnikov way. The knight challenges d5, and the f-pawn stays free.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM