O'Kelly Variant

This is a Sicilian Variant

Sample
Why the O'Kelly?

It is very rewarding to analyze and play such a respectable system as the Sicilian O'Kelly. The opening is attractive because it is based on sound Sicilian principles. Black has an answer to white's 2.Pf3 as early as the second move, so you get it on the board a lot. White players are generally not well prepared for the O'Kelly. The underlying development schemes and structures are sound, natural and easy to understand. Recent theoretical developments have further strengthened black's case.

The O'Kelly is also played at the highest GM level. Vladislav Artemiev and Richard Rapport play it regularly, the opening has appeared on the board twice in the recent highly contested 2022 US Championship and has even managed to find its way into the 2022 Candidates Tournament.