Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 · ECO B56, B58 · White to move

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What Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation puts on the board

Material is level, with white to move.

White has central pawns on e4.

White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.

The c-file is half-open for Black, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders

Move orders

  1. 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6
  2. 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Be2