Sicilian Defense · B21
McDonnell Attack, Toilet Variation
1. e4 c5 2. f4 d5 3. Nc3
The pawns on d5 and e4 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure.
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. f4 Fights for e5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the McDonnell Attack.
- 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
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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.