Chess opening · ECO B23
Sicilian Defense: Closed
The Sicilian Defense: Closed starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3. It ranks #54 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
- 2. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is d6; among players rated 2000 and up, it is Nc6.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | d6 34% | Nc6 31% | e6 20% |
| 1200–1399 | Nc6 34% | d6 25% | e6 17% |
| 1400–1599 | Nc6 39% | d6 23% | e6 21% |
| 1600–1799 | Nc6 43% | d6 22% | e6 20% |
| 1800–1999 | Nc6 43% | e6 23% | d6 22% |
| 2000 and up | Nc6 48% | e6 23% | d6 17% |
Related openings
Practice it against a human-like opponent.
BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.
Play a free coached game →Played this opening recently?
Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.
Analyze a game free →