Learn The Siclian Defense O'Kelly Variation [Complete Guide]

Get The Crystal-Clear Guide To Reach 2000+ ELO Rating Faster

In this video lesson, you will learn about the chess opening variation called the O'Kelly Variation in the Sicilian Defense, which the RCA guest coach IM Asaf Givon calls the ‘Lazy Siclian’, followed by the moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 a6. This variation is suitable for those players who don’t really wish to study too many opening theories in the Sicilian Defense, but still want to play some sharp opening lines in this opening and to enjoy the sharpness and adventurous possibilities it offers.

At first glance, it may seem that Black can play much more useful moves (like the main lines 2…Nc6 or 2…d6 or 2…e6) than moving a pawn on the flank on just the second move. But this move has a hidden venom in it – mainly, it controls the b5-square, because of which White can’t bring his bishop or knight there like in the main lines. For instance, White’s 3.d4 is followed by 3...cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5 when 6.Nb5 is prevented, and Black will equalize by playing 6...Bb4 and possibly ...d5.

Also, it helps Black by offering the possibility of playing b5 and developing his light-squared bishop onto the b7-square, which is usually the common idea in the Sicilian Defense for Black; only here he can do it much easier and faster.

White has four main continuations here: 3.d4, 3.Nc3, 3.c4, and 3.c3, the last being considered better for White according to opening theories, which are explained by IM Asaf Givon in this video, as he also explains how to play this opening as Black.

[seanbenak]

I stumbled into this variation by accident and searched up the video. Thanks so much. I've been struggling with E4 opening. So far this is successful for me. I much prefer the positions I get vs the Caro or Scandi.

[AaronMcDaid]

Great stuff. I kinda discovered the opening by accident myself. I played 2..a6 in order to stop annoying bishop forks. Then, after the game, I noticed that it's called the O'Kelly variation. As an Irishman, I had to follow up on anything with O'Kelly in the name! And that led me to this nice video

[rickerwinsor]

Very clear analysis/description. Thanks.

[markhunter]

I’ve been trying the hyper modern variation but this seems easier with plenty of scope for white not to play c3...I’ll try this for a bit

[colyjiang]

Looks a lot stronger than Najdorf variation, thanks for the video

[LoneWolf_]

interesting variation...i'll try to play in my next game against e4

[hesswi]

2. b3 is also worthy of consideration imho.

[abhishelke]

I was natural Sicilian O'Kelly player but after watching this video I'm slaying below 2000 like cucumber

[sourandbitter]

Very nice lesser known opening and great lecture. Perfect idea for a club player. But there's no way I'm playing a french defense after 3.c3. In every other lines the center is open and Black's position is active so to me the french doesn't fit. Better to play into more of a regular Alapin with 3... d5.

[grzegorzpociejewski]

nice job, bu sound quality is terrible.

[ryuk]

There’s a problem with your analysis at 4:22. You say “white has to play Bd3” but this is a mistake.

The correct move for white’s bishop would be Bc4. This prevents black from playing e5 next turn, and if Nxe4, then white wins material by threatening checkmate with Qd5.

Also if white does play Bd3, black should still play e3, not e4. White can simply capture e4 and will be ahead in development.

To be honest I’m surprised you overlooked this

[rousseausp]

very informative, but get a new mic 🎤 brother