Sicilian Defense · B27

Katalimov Variation

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 b6

In the centre, White holds e4.

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... b6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via b7. Theory calls this the Katalimov Variation.

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