Sicilian Defense · B22
Heidenfeld Variation
1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Na3
In the centre, White holds e5.
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. c3 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Alapin Variation.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 391 in the Sicilian Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.