B20–B99 Semi-open games

Sicilian Defense

Black answers 1.e4 with an asymmetrical fight, trading a flank pawn for central influence and queenside play.

Best for

Ambitious Black players who enjoy counterplay, imbalanced structures, and learning recurring plans.

Gambit guide Learn the Smith-Morra Gambit Practical weapon Read guide

Study map

Start with one line, then add nearby branches.

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01Sicilian DefenseB20 · 1 movenew02Sicilian Defense: Amazon AttackB20 · 2 movesnew03Sicilian Defense: Bowdler AttackB20 · 2 movesnew04Sicilian Defense: Brick VariationB20 · 2 movesnew05Sicilian Defense: Czerniak AttackB20 · 2 movesnew

Browse all 385 lines

Open the catalogue only when you need a specific branch.

Dragon Variation43 lines
Najdorf Variation33 lines
Closed23 lines
O'Kelly Variation21 lines
Richter-Rauzer Variation21 lines
Scheveningen Variation20 lines
Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted18 lines
Kan Variation14 lines
Alapin Variation11 lines

Mix the variations

Practice changing book replies after you know at least 2 lines.

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White's plan

  1. 01 Use d4 to open the center.
  2. 02 Develop quickly before launching a kingside pawn storm.
  3. 03 Watch the d5 square and the open d-file.

Black's plan

  1. 01 Pressure the c-file and queenside.
  2. 02 Prepare ...d5 or ...e5 according to the structure.
  3. 03 Complete development before grabbing central pawns.

Position fingerprint

The squares that explain the opening

d5 is the central outpost, c-file is Black's natural highway, and f5 often supports White's attack.

Keep the position healthy

Practical habits

  • Finish development before racing opposite-side attacks.
  • Prepare the central pawn break with enough pieces.