ECO B28 · Sicilian Defense

Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Venice System, Ljubojevic Line

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6 3. c3 b5

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

4. d4+0.72

White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Venice System, Ljubojevic Line (B28), reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6 3. c3 b5, Stockfish 18 recommends 4. d4 for White. White is slightly better (+0.72).

Top engine moves

  1. +0.724. d4 e6 5. Bd3 Bb7 6. O-O Nf6 7. Re1 d6 8. a4 c4
  2. +0.554. a4 Bb7 5. d4 cxd4 6. axb5 dxc3 7. Nxc3 e6 8. Bd3 Be7
  3. +0.464. e5 Nc6 5. a4 b4 6. d4 e6 7. Nbd2 d5 8. exd6 Bxd6

Frequently asked questions

What is the best move in the Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Venice System, Ljubojevic Line?
After 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6 3. c3 b5, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 4. d4 for White, continuing e6 5. Bd3 Bb7 6. O-O Nf6 7. Re1 d6 8. a4 c4. White is slightly better (+0.72). The next best moves are 4. a4 (+0.55) and 4. e5 (+0.46).
Is the Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Venice System, Ljubojevic Line a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.72: 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, Venice System, Ljubojevic Line?
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+).