The Sicilian – Katalimov Variation arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 b6. ECO code: B27.

Black fianchettoes the queen's bishop, aiming for pressure on the a8–h1 diagonal. This is an uncommon but playable approach, combining Sicilian and Owen's Defence ideas. White should play 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4, reaching an Open Sicilian where Black's bishop on b7 adds pressure to the centre.