ECO B20 · for White
Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit
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.
970,759 games in this band reached the Wing Gambit position. From there White won 49% and drew 3%.
1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4 3. a3 bxa3 4. Bxa3 Nc6 5. d4 d6
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... c5
A counter-attacking opening. The asymmetry generally leads to sharp games.
2. b4
2... cxb4
Moves 3 to 4
3. a3 bxa3 4. Bxa3 Nc6
3. a3
3... bxa3
4. Bxa3
4... Nc6
Move 5
5. d4 d6
5. d4
5... d6
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 kingside knight generally develops to f3
- The light-squared bishop usually develops to d3
- The bishop on a3 often moves to b2
- Common pawn moves are c3, d5, and f4
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