Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. d4

Open Sicilian with ...Nc6
	a b c d e f g h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e f g h
	Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2n5/2p5/3PP3/5N2/PPP2PPP/RNBQKB1R
	Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4
	ECO code: B32
	Parent: Sicilian defence → 2...Nc6

3. d4 · Open Sicilian with ...Nc6

White takes space in the centre. White invites Black to take the d-pawn. Black can hardly allow White to advance to d5, taking more space and displacing their knight.

3...cxd4 eliminates the pawn and White can recapture 4. Nxd4. White's advantage is that they now have open lines for all their pieces to develop. Black's advantage is that they have both central pawns to White's one.

3...Nxd4?! is legal but barely warrants mentioning. 4. Nxd4 cxd4 5. Qxd4 only gives White a helping hand with their attack.

3...e6? to increase control of the d5 square does not prevent White from playing d5.

Theory table

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4

	3
Main Line	... cxd4	+=
	... e6	Nc3

Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. d4

3. d4 · Open Sicilian with ...Nc6

Theory table

References

See also