Sicilian Defense · B50

Modern Variations, Anti-Qxd4 Move Order Accepted

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. dxc5 Nxe4

Black trades the c-pawn for White's d-pawn and plays for an unbalanced fight: queenside counterplay against White's central and kingside ambitions. White has doubled pawns on the c-file.

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.

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