Zukertort Defense · A04

Sicilian Knight Variation

1. Nf3 Na6 2. e4 c5

In the centre, White holds e4.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Zukertort Opening.
• 1... Na6 Develops the knight to a6. It backs up the pawn on c7.
• 2. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Knight Variation.

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