ECO B20 · Sicilian Defense

Sicilian Defense

1. e4 c5

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White to move. The arrow shows Stockfish’s best move.
Best move

2. Nf3+0.27

The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Sicilian Defense (B20), reached after 1. e4 c5, Stockfish 18 recommends 2. Nf3 for White. The position is roughly equal (+0.27).

Top engine moves

  1. +0.272. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Bd7 6. Be3 Nf6
  2. +0.262. Ne2 e5 3. Ng3 Ne7 4. Nc3 d5 5. exd5 Nxd5 6. Qf3 Nb4
  3. +0.252. Nc3 Nc6 3. Nge2 e5 4. Ng3 d6 5. Bc4 g6 6. O-O Be6

Other move orders

  • 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3
  • 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4
  • 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4

All Sicilian Defense variations (326)

Frequently asked questions

What is the best move in the Sicilian Defense?
After 1. e4 c5, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 2. Nf3 for White, continuing Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Bd7 6. Be3 Nf6. The position is roughly equal (+0.27). The next best moves are 2. Ne2 (+0.26) and 2. Nc3 (+0.25).
Is the Sicilian Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.27: the position is roughly equal. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Sicilian Defense?
B20. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; B is the volume for semi-open games (other than the French).

Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).