Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. Nf3/2...d6/3. d4

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Open Sicilian
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8 8
7 a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7 7
6 a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6 6
5 a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5 5
4 a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4 4
3 a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3 3
2 a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2 2
1 a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1 1
a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4

Open Sicilian[edit | edit source]

The aggressive advance of White's d-pawn forms a classical centre (pawns on e4 and d4), a strong formation which threatens to gain a large space advantage by a subsequent d5 or e5. Black is therefore compelled to break up White's centre.

In the Sicilian, this is easily achieved with the exchange 3...cxd4, the control of d4 being the major reason the c-pawn was moved to c5 originally. With this natural move Black acquires a majority of central pawns and half-opens the c-file.

Their other means of attacking the centre pawns is with 3...Nf6, in an attempt to avoid the Maróczy Bind by tempting the b1 knight out, but White can simply take the c-pawn with quicker development.

3...Nc6 invites either d5 or dxc5 with a strong initiative.

Theory table[edit | edit source]

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4

3 4 5
Main line ...
cxd4
Nxd4
Nf6
Nc3
e6
=
...
Nf6
dxc5
Nxe4
cxd6
Nc6
...
Nc6
d5
Ne5
Nxe5
dxe5
+=

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References[edit | edit source]