Chess opening · ECO B41
Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation
The Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6. It ranks #113 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.
- 4. Nxd4White recaptures on d4 with the knight.
- 4... a6Black advances the a-pawn to a6.
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. Nc3 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nc3 100% | – | – |
| 1200–1399 | Nc3 49% | Bc4 18% | Bd3 12% |
| 1400–1599 | Nc3 56% | c4 12% | Bd3 11% |
| 1600–1799 | Nc3 48% | Bd3 15% | c4 11% |
| 1800–1999 | Nc3 49% | c4 17% | Bd3 15% |
| 2000 and up | Nc3 48% | c4 31% | Bd3 12% |
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