Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Pelikan Variation, Exchange Variation
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Nxc6
6… bxc6−0.11
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Pelikan Variation, Exchange Variation (B33), reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Nxc6, Stockfish 18 recommends 6… bxc6 for Black. The position is roughly equal (−0.11).
Top engine moves
- −0.116… bxc6 7. Qf3 Bb4 8. a3 Bxc3+ 9. Qxc3 O-O 10. Bg5 Nxe4 11. Bxd8
- −0.086… dxc6 7. Qxd8+ Kxd8 8. Bc4 Bb4 9. f3 Ke7 10. Kf2 Bc5+ 11. Be3
- +2.876… Qc7 7. Nxa7 Rxa7 8. Nb5 Qa5+ 9. Bd2 Qb6 10. Nxa7 Nxe4 11. Qe2
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Pelikan Variation, Exchange Variation?
After 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Nxc6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 6… bxc6 for Black, continuing 7. Qf3 Bb4 8. a3 Bxc3+ 9. Qxc3 O-O 10. Bg5 Nxe4 11. Bxd8. The position is roughly equal (−0.11). The next best moves are 6… dxc6 (−0.08) and 6… Qc7 (+2.87).
Is the Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Pelikan Variation, Exchange Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at −0.11: 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: Lasker-Pelikan Variation, Exchange Variation?
B33. 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+).