Chess opening · ECO B40
Sicilian Defense: French Variation, Open
The Sicilian Defense: French Variation, Open starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4. It ranks #72 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... e6Black advances the e-pawn to e6.
- 3. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 3... cxd4Black takes the pawn on d4 with the c-pawn.
At the end of the line Black is a pawn up. White can take back on d4 at once.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Nxd4 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nxd4 93% | Qxd4 7% | – |
| 1200–1399 | Nxd4 84% | Qxd4 14% | c3 3% |
| 1400–1599 | Nxd4 88% | Qxd4 9% | c3 2% |
| 1600–1799 | Nxd4 93% | Qxd4 3% | c3 3% |
| 1800–1999 | Nxd4 93% | c3 6% | Qxd4 1% |
| 2000 and up | Nxd4 96% | c3 4% | – |
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