ECO code: B53
Opening Name: Sicilian, Chekhover Variation, 4...Nf6
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Qxd4 Nf6
Description: The Chekhover Variation arises when White recaptures the pawn on d4 early with the queen instead of the knight. Black's move 4...Nf6 immediately challenges White's central presence and develops a knight to an active square, attacking the e4 pawn and prompting White to defend or advance it.
Characteristic of 4...Nf6: This move is characteristic of active piece play by Black, putting immediate pressure on White's center and forcing White to make a decision about the e4 pawn. It is a natural developing move that also aims to gain time by attacking the queen if White is careless.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, 4...Nf6 is an attacking move, as it challenges White’s center and develops with tempo. For White, the position remains flexible; White can choose to defend the center solidly or try to maintain initiative with active piece placement.
Center Control: This opening phase is focused on contesting the center. White has initially taken central space with the queen on d4, while Black’s 4...Nf6 puts direct pressure on White’s e4 pawn, aiming to undermine White’s central control.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Sicilian, Chekhover, 4...Nf6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 8 - Move #6 white