Chess opening · ECO B32
Sicilian Defense: Open
The Sicilian Defense: Open starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4. It ranks #35 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... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6.
- 3. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
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. cxd4 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | cxd4 79% | d6 14% | e6 7% |
| 1200–1399 | cxd4 75% | e6 10% | d6 5% |
| 1400–1599 | cxd4 91% | e6 5% | d6 2% |
| 1600–1799 | cxd4 97% | e6 2% | d6 1% |
| 1800–1999 | cxd4 98% | e6 2% | d5 0% |
| 2000 and up | cxd4 100% | – | – |
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