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Sicilian Defense (for Black)
The Sicilian Defense (1.e4 c5) is the most combative answer to 1.e4. Instead of copying White, Black controls d4 with a flank pawn: the position becomes unbalanced and both sides play to win.
The principle
In the Open Sicilian, after 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4, Black has traded the c-pawn for White's d-pawn. Black keeps two central pawns against one and the half-open c-file; White has more space and a lead in development.
The ideas
- White often attacks on the kingside, sometimes after castling queenside.
- Black looks for counterplay on the queenside, with the c-file and the b5 push.
The main line: the Najdorf
The line 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3 Be6 8.f3 is the Najdorf with the "English Attack". The small a6 pawn move controls b5 and keeps many options open; with the bishop on e3 and the pawn on f3, White often prepares the queen on d2, queenside castling and the g4 push.
Main variations
- Dragon: 5...g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 O-O 8.Qd2 Nc6 9.Bc4. The g7 bishop controls the long diagonal; in the Yugoslav Attack, White often castles queenside and pushes the h- and g-pawns against Black's king.
- Sveshnikov: 2...Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Bg5 a6 8.Na3 b5. Black accepts a weak square on d5 in exchange for very active piece play.
- Alapin Variation: 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3. The c3 pawn prepares d4 so White can recapture with a pawn: the play is calmer.
Coach's advice
The Sicilian punishes passivity. With Black, your activity makes up for the lack of space: don't wait, create counterplay. With White, the attack must be fast, because Black's queenside counterplay comes quickly. Click the colored moves to explore each line, then ask me your questions.
Main line
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3 Be6 8.f3