Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. Nf3/2...e6/3. d4/3...cxd4
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
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Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 |
Sicilian Defence
[edit | edit source]Black captures White's d-pawn with cxd4 to reduce White's control of the centre, expecting the pawn to be recaptured.
White usually plays 4. Nxd4 so that the knight may subsequently move to b3 to assist in the defence of their king following queenside castling. A knight on d4 also eyes the f5 square and once the king is safe on the queenside can support the advance of a barrage of pawns at Black's castled position.
Also in keeping with the position is the gambit 4. c3, usually transposing into the Morra Gambit. White obtains a lead in development and aims to fully open the c-file to counter Black's influence thereof.
Theory table
[edit | edit source].
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4
4 | 5 | ||
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Nxd4 a6 |
Bd3 Nf6 |
+= | |
Qxd4 Nc6 |
Qd1 Nf6 |
=+ |
References
[edit | edit source]- Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.
With 2...g6:
With other 2nd moves for Black: