The most popular Sicilian variation. Black plays ...a6 to prevent Nb5 and prepare ...e5 or ...b5.
1.e4 - Controls the center and opens lines for the bishop and queen.
1...c5 - The Sicilian Defense! Black fights for the d4 square asymmetrically.
2.Nf3 - White develops and prepares d4. The knight controls key central squares.
2...d6 - Black prepares ...Nf6 and supports the c5 pawn. Solid and flexible.
3.d4 - White opens the center immediately, following classical principles.
3...cxd4 - Black takes the pawn, gaining a central pawn majority.
4.Nxd4 - White recaptures. The knight is well-placed in the center.
4...Nf6 - Black develops and attacks e4, forcing White to address the center.
5.Nc3 - White defends e4 and develops naturally. This is the Open Sicilian.
5...a6 - The Najdorf! This prevents Bb5 and prepares ...e5 or ...b5 expansion.
White's plans: Attack on the kingside with f3, Be3, Qd2, O-O-O. Or positional play with Be2 and O-O.
Black's plans: Expand with ...e5 or ...b5. Develop the bishop to e7 or g4. Castle kingside.
Watch the moves to understand the opening sequence. Use the controls to replay or auto-play the variation.