Sicilian Defense · B29
Nimzowitsch Variation, Exchange Variation
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nc3 Nxc3
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. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Nimzowitsch Variation.
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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.