Sicilian Defense · B56

Classical Variation, through 5... Nc6

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Both knights out before anything fancy: Black develops soundly and lets White pick the battleground.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Defense.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... d6 Supports the centre, adding control of e5.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 6 more moves in this line, 10 in all.