Sicilian Defense · B20

Wing Gambit, Santasiere Variation

1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4 3. c4

An early pawn trade leaves the b-file as White's avenue and the c-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade.

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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