Sicilian Defense · B20
Wing Gambit, Carlsbad Variation
1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4 3. a3 bxa3
Black has doubled pawns on the a-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. b4 Challenges the pawn on c5 - the central tension has to resolve. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Wing Gambit: development and initiative over material.
- 2... cxb4 Takes the pawn on b4.
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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.