Sicilian Defense · B28
O'Kelly Variation, Venice System, Steiner Line
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6 3. c3 d6
In the centre, White holds e4.
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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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.