ECO B20 · for White
Sicilian Defense: Bowdler Attack
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.
14,583,382 games in this band reached the Bowdler Attack position. From there White won 47% and drew 4%.
1. e4 c5 2. Bc4 e6 3. Nf3 a6 4. a4 Nc6 5. O-O Nf6 6. d3
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c5 2. Bc4 e6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... c5
A counter-attacking opening. The asymmetry generally leads to sharp games.
2. Bc4
Avoiding major lines of the Sicilian, aiming for an attack on f7.
2... e6
Controlling the center fighting for d5 next move.
- 2... Nc6: Developing the knight and controlling the d4 square.
- 2... d6: Allowing the light squared bishop to be developed later.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nf3 a6 4. a4 Nc6
3. Nf3
Developing the knight and allowing for very quick kingside castling. White aims to keep the development advantage.
- 3. Nc3: Developing the knight and preventing Black from playing d5 to gain space in the center.
- 3. d3: Strengthening the center and opening up the dark-squared bishop to develop.
3... a6
Intending to play b5 next to force the light squared bishop to retreat while also gaining queenside space.
- 3... Nc6: Developing the knight while fighting for the d5 square and leaving the option of playing d5 next move.
- 3... d5: Advancing the d-pawn to gain space while also attacking the bishop.
4. a4
- 4. O-O: Castling kingside and prioritizing development over central control.
4... Nc6
Moves 5 to 6
5. O-O Nf6 6. d3
5. O-O
5... Nf6
6. d3
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.
- The pawn on e4 typically captures the pawn on d5
- The kingside rook generally develops to e1
- The queenside knight can develop to d2 or c3
- The bishop on c4 often moves to a2
- Common pawn moves are c3 and h3
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