Chess opening · ECO B40
Sicilian Defense: French Variation
The Sicilian Defense: French Variation starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6. It ranks #34 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. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... e6Black advances the e-pawn to e6.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. d4 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | d4 33% | Bc4 29% | Nc3 20% |
| 1200–1399 | d4 38% | Bc4 21% | Nc3 13% |
| 1400–1599 | d4 43% | Bc4 16% | Nc3 14% |
| 1600–1799 | d4 53% | Nc3 12% | Bc4 10% |
| 1800–1999 | d4 58% | c3 12% | Nc3 9% |
| 2000 and up | d4 64% | Nc3 11% | c3 9% |
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