O'Kelly Variation, Kieseritzky System
- 1.e4c5
- 2.Nf3a6
- 3.b3
608 games
A rare sideline of the O'Kelly Sicilian in which White answers 2...a6 with 3. b3, fianchettoing the queen's bishop instead of opening the center.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Kieseritzky System
The Kieseritzky System meets the O'Kelly with 3. b3. It prepares Bb2, aiming the bishop down the long diagonal toward e5 and the black kingside, rather than opening the center with d4. Because White does not enter an Open Sicilian, the anti-b5 purpose of ...a6 counts for less. Black usually develops with 3...Nc6, 3...d6 or 3...e6, and the engine rates the position as balanced. The line is seldom played. In online games Black scores slightly better, especially after 3...d6.