Sicilian DefenseB54
Modern Variations, Main Line
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6
Open on the interactive boardEvery move explained, never a dead end.
Both sides plans
White's plan
Black traded a wing pawn for a central one. White has the lead in development and central space: play fast, usually d4 followed by a kingside assault.
Black's plan
Black has two central pawns against one, and the open c-file after the exchange on d4. Everything flows from there: pressure on c3 and c2, queenside expansion with ...a6 and ...b5.
The line, move by move
- 1. e4e4 occupies the center.
- ... c5c5 controls d4.
- 2. Nf3Nf3 develops the knight and controls d4 and e5.
- ... d6d6 controls e5.
- 3. d4d4 strikes at the center.
- ... cxd4cxd4 captures a pawn, occupies the center.
- 4. Nxd4Nxd4 captures a pawn.
- ... Nf6Nf6 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.