Category – Semi Open Game

Opening Move Sequence – 1 e4 c5

ECO Codes – B20 and B99

Analyzed as far back as 1594 by Sicilian Giulio Polerio (after whom it is named) and Gioachino Greco, Sicilian Defense is highly popular in modern day chess constituting up to quarter of game databases. Statistically at master tournaments Sicilian Defense has offered the best chances for Black after initial 1 e4. Main reason for its high popularity is its aggressive nature. Black can play for dominance, not just for equalization. Meanwhile White has opportunities to seize the initiative early.

Sicilian Defense falls under the category of Semi-open Game openings that begin with 1 e4 without 1 ... e5. Wide range of variations under Sicilian Defense, are accommodated under ECO codes B20 to B99.

Moves and Variations

1 e4 c5

By c5 Black tries to control d4 and stake a claim in the center. However unlike e5 in Open games, c5 destroys the symmetry of the board. White with an advanced King-side pawn will try to develop attacks on that side; Black with an advanced Queen-side pawn will try to do the same on Queen-side. Black will usually exchange the c pawn with White's d pawn and use the then open c file as a line of attack for its major pieces after placing them there.

Sicilian Defense has a huge number of payable variations. We can merely refer to them here.

Open Sicilian 2 Nf3 and 3 d4

Nf3 is played in three quarters of Sicilian Defense Games. When this is followed by 3 d4 it is called Open Sicilian Defense. This leads to complicated positions as White tries to develop a King-side attack using his greater mobility in that wing. Black has the center after exchange of c pawn for d pawn, and an open c file for counter attacks.

Main variations in Open Sicilian flow from Black's second move.

Most popular is 2 ...d6 intending Nf6, while preventing White’s e5. This will continue, 3 d4 cxd4, 4 Nxd4 Nf6, 5 Nc3. From here there are four main courses open for Black; 5 ... a6, 5 ... Nc6, 5 ...e6, and 5 ... g6, known respectively as Najdorf, Classical, Scheveningen, and Dragon, variations. A rare one is 5 Bd7 (Kupreichik Variation). Both sides can choose other variations during the moves 3 to 5 as well.

In case of 2 ... Nc6, developing move, game may continue 3 d4 cxd4, 4 Nxd4. Here if Black plays the popular 4 ... Nf6, then after 5 Nc3 game can be transformed to other variations; to Classical Variation by 5...d6, Sveshnikov by 5...e5, and Four Knights Variation by 5 ... e6. Other main lines include 4...e6 (Taimanov Variation), 4...g6 (Accelerated Dragon), and 4...e5 (Kalashnikov Variation). Rare variations here include 4...Qc7, leading to Taimanov Variation and 4 ...Qb6, (Grivas Variation).

2 ... e6 aims at developing Bishop at f8. The game may continue 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4. The main variations from here are 4 ... Nc6 (Taimanov Variation), 4 ... a6 (Kan Variation), and 4 ... Nf6 (Four Knights Variation after 5 Nc3 Nc6 or transformed to Scheveningen Variation after 5 Nc3.d6).

2 Nf3 without 3 d4

After 2 ... d6 most popular alternatives to d4 is 3 Bb5+, called Moscow Variation or Canal-Sokolsky Attack. This is used by master players to avoid book Sicilian Variations. Main lines flow from 3 ... Bd7, 3 ... Nc6, or 3 ... Nd7. Another alternative is 3 c3 followed by d4 to create pawn center

In case of 2 ... Nc6 the 3.Bb5 alternative is called Rossolimo Variation with aim Bxc6. Variations here are 3...g6 with ...Bg7, 3...d6 with ...Bd7, and 3...e6 with ... Nge7. Other alternatives after 2 Nc6 are 3 Nc3 and 3 c3.

In case of 2 ... e6, third move alternatives to d4 include 3 Nc3, 3 d3 and 3 c3.

Black's other alternatives after Nf3 are 2 ... g6 (Hyperaccelerated Dragon), 2 ... a6 (O'Kelly Variation), 2...Nf6 (Nimzowitsch Variation), and 2 ...Qc7 (Quinteros Variation).

White's alternative second moves (Anti Sicilians)

There are many other playable second moves for White; 2 Nc3 lead to many variations, 2 c3 (Alapin Variation), 2 f4 (Grand Prix Attack/ McDonnell Attack:), 2.d4 cxd4, 3.c3 (Smith-Morra Gambit), 2 Ne2, 2 d3, 2 b3 (and 3Bb2 Snyder Variation), 2 g3, 2 c4, 2 b4, 2 a4, 2 Na3, and 2 Bc4.

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