ECO B21 · for White
Sicilian Defense: McDonnell 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.
7,902,667 games in this band reached the McDonnell Attack position. From there White won 49% and drew 3%.
1. e4 c5 2. f4 Nc6 3. Nf3 d6 4. Bc4 e6 5. O-O Nf6 6. d3 Be7 7. Nc3 O-O
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c5 2. f4 Nc6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... c5
A counter-attacking opening. The asymmetry generally leads to sharp games.
2. f4
Gaining space by advancing the f-pawn before playing Nf3.
2... Nc6
Developing the knight and controlling the d4 square.
- 2... d6: Fighting for the e5 square and opening up the light squared bishop.
- 2... e6: Preparing to play d5 and fight for control of the center.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nf3 d6 4. Bc4 e6
3. Nf3
Developing the knight while controlling the d4 square and aiming to use the space advantage for a later attack.
3... d6
Fighting for the e5 square and opening up the light squared bishop.
- 3... e6: Allowing both the dark squared bishop and g8 knight more squares to develop to while also preparing d5 to expand in the center.
- 3... g6: Aiming to place the bishop on g7 where it will help control the center and pressure white's queenside.
4. Bc4
4... e6
Moves 5 to 6
5. O-O Nf6 6. d3 Be7
5. O-O
5... Nf6
6. d3
6... Be7
Move 7
7. Nc3 O-O
7. Nc3
7... 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.
- The queen often goes to g3, via e1
- The bishop on c4 often moves to b3
- The knight on c3 often moves to e2
- Common pawn moves are a4, axb3, and e5
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