The other side of B21

As mentioned in a previous blog, B21 is the ECO code for two off-beat responses to the Sicilian defense: 2.d4 and 2.f4. The 2.d4 part is the Smith-Morra gambit, which I have illustrated with games by Tal and Matulovic. I have never really paid much attention to the other side of B21 until now. I found that greats like Bent Larsen actually employed the 2.f4 line at some point in his career (click here for a collection of B21 2.f4 games by Larsen). Another well known player who employed the B21 2.f4 line is none other than Sveshnikov himself, after whom the Sveshnikov variation of the Sicilian defense was named. It got me thinking, if the guy who invented a potent variation for black in the Sicilian resorted to 2.f4 to avoid his own poison, there must be something to it. (Click here for a collection of B21 2.f4 games by Sveshnikov). However the guy who really appeared to have made a career out of the B21 2.f4 was Hebden, and judging from the percentage wins he scored with that line, I certainly must try it out for myself and see how it feels. (Click here for a collection of Hebden's B21 2.f4 games). White's development plan in the B21 2.f4 appears to be deceptively simple and straightforward - bring out the pieces, open the f file and attack. Enjoy.