Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6 3. c4
3… Nc6+0.56
White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind (B28), reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6 3. c4, Stockfish 18 recommends 3… Nc6 for Black. White is slightly better (+0.56).
Top engine moves
- +0.563… Nc6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 e5 6. Nf5 Nf6 7. Nc3 d5 8. cxd5
- +0.593… e6 4. Nc3 Nc6 5. d4 cxd4 6. Nxd4 Qc7 7. Be2 Nf6 8. O-O
- +0.593… b6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Be2 Nc6 6. d4 cxd4 7. Nxd4 Bb7 8. Nxc6
Variations
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind?
After 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6 3. c4, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 3… Nc6 for Black, continuing 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 e5 6. Nf5 Nf6 7. Nc3 d5 8. cxd5. White is slightly better (+0.56). The next best moves are 3… e6 (+0.59) and 3… b6 (+0.59).
Is the Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.56: white is slightly better. 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: O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind?
B28. 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+).