ECO B32 · for White
Open Sicilian
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
13,017,185 games in this band reached the Open Sicilian position. From there White won 49% and drew 4%.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. Nc3 Nf6 7. Bg5 Be7 8. Bc4 O-O
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... c5
A counter-attacking opening. The asymmetry generally leads to sharp games.
2. Nf3
2... Nc6
Developing a knight to its most natural square, but potentially blocking the c-pawn. This move can lead to the Sveshnikov or Accelerated Dragon lines.
Moves 3 to 4
3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5
3. d4
Breaking in the center, the main line of the Classical Sicilian.
3... cxd4
Exchanging pawns, practically the only good move.
4. Nxd4
Recapturing the pawn, this is the Open Sicilian.
4... e5
Advancing the pawn while attacking the knight.
- 4... g6: Fianchettoing the bishop to pressure the central dark squares and queenside.
- 4... Nf6: Developing while attacking the weak pawn.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. Nc3 Nf6
5. Nxc6
Capturing the knight on c6, allowing black to relieve the d5 and d6 weaknesses.
- 5. Nb5: Removing the knight from the threat of the e5 pawn, and threatening Nd6+ which would be positionally crushing.
- 5. Nf3: Retreating the knight because of the threat and keeping an eye on the e5 pawn. White aims to take advantage of the weak d5 square here while Black aims to play the d5 break eventually.
- 5. Nb3: Retreating the knight away from the attack and planning to continue by exploiting the weakened d5 square.
5... bxc6
Recapturing with the b-pawn, strengthening the center and removing the weakness that were created earlier.
6. Nc3
Developing the knight and preventing Black's potential d5 break.
- 6. Bc4: Developing the bishop and preventing Black from playing d5.
6... Nf6
Developing the knight and preparing the d5 break to gain more space in the center.
Moves 7 to 8
7. Bg5 Be7 8. Bc4 O-O
7. Bg5
- 7. Bc4: Adding support to d5.
7... Be7
8. Bc4
8... O-O
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- White typically castles kingside
- The bishop on g5 generally captures the bishop on e7
- The bishop on g5 usually captures the knight on f6
- The queenside rook often develops to d1
- The queen can develop to d2 or d3
- The bishop on c4 often moves to b3
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Zukertort Opening for White