Sicilian Defence

The Sicilian defence, usually called just the Sicilian, is a chess opening, which starts with these moves: 
1. e4 c5
In competitive chess, it is by far the most frequently played reply to the King's Pawn opening (1.e4).

Open variations 1e4 c5 2Nf3 followed by 3d4. A typical line is
1.e4 c5
2.Nf3 d6
3.d4 cxd4
4.Nxd4 Nf6
5.Nc3
Now Black decides where to put his KB: on e7 or g7; his QN will probably go to c6.

Closed variations 1e4 c5 2Nc3 not followed by d4. A typical line is
1.e4 c5
2.Nc3 Nc6
3.f4 d6
4.Nf3 g6
5.Bb5 Bg7
6.d3

Instead of 3.f4, a slower game with 3.g3 followed by Bg2 and d3 could be chosen by White.

ECO code B20–B99. ECO is the Encyclopaedia of chess openings.

Category:Chess openings