Chess opening · ECO B54
Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations, Main Line
The Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations, Main Line starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6. It ranks #49 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... d6Black advances the d-pawn to d6.
- 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... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
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 81% | Bd3 10% | Bb5+ 5% |
| 1400–1599 | Nc3 84% | Bd3 9% | f3 3% |
| 1600–1799 | Nc3 84% | Bd3 10% | f3 4% |
| 1800–1999 | Nc3 89% | Bd3 5% | f3 4% |
| 2000 and up | Nc3 88% | f3 8% | Bd3 3% |
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