Sicilian Defense · B28

O'Kelly Variation, Normal System, Smith-Morra Line

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6 3. d4 cxd4 4. c3

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black comes out ahead on material - White needs concrete play to justify it. 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.

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... a6 Takes b5 away from White's bishop. Theory calls this the O'Kelly Variation.

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