Velimirovic Attack

The Velimirovic Attack is the queenside-castling form of the Sozin Attack against the Classical Sicilian. Instead of castling short as in the Fischer-Sozin, White plays 8. Qe2 to prepare 9. O-O-O. White then advances the kingside pawns, often with f4-f5 aimed at e6, while the c4-bishop bears on Black's center. Black most often replies 8...O-O or 8...a6, seeking queenside counterplay. Play is sharp and heavily analyzed, and the engine rates the position as close to balanced.