Sicilian Defense · B43

Kan Variation, Wing Attack, Spraggett Attack

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 b5 6. Bd3 Qb6 7. Nf3

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. ...a6 and ...e6 first: Black stays flexible, keeps the pieces at home until White commits, and picks the right setup afterwards.

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... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the French Variation.

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