Sicilian Defense · B31

Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack, Fianchetto Variation, Gufeld Gambit

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6 4. O-O Bg7 5. c3 e5 6. d4

The pawns on d4 and e5 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. Black's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal.

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... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Old Sicilian.

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