Semi-open games

Sicilian Defense

1.e4 c5

The Sicilian Defense starts with 1.e4 c5 and is catalogued under ECO B20, in the semi-open games half of the book. The catalog indexes 388 lines inside it, grouped into 327 named variations, and the position after those moves has 1 playable continuation to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

Root edges show how often each move is played around your Elo. Use the arrow on a position to reveal the next replies.

Current position
Sicilian Defense: Brussels Gambit
6 plies
Double-Dutch Gambit
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.e4

    Claims the center with a pawn and opens lines for the queen and king’s bishop.

    Idea: Build quick development and make early castling possible.

  2. 1c5

    Challenges d4 from the flank instead of mirroring White’s e-pawn.

    Idea: Create an unbalanced center and active queenside counterplay.

  3. 2.Nf3

    Develops the knight to f3, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  4. 2f5

    Advances the f-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  5. 3.exf5

    Captures the pawn on f5 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.

    Idea: Open lines in the kingside and reshape the center for the next phase.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

1 move

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Sicilian Defense. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

303 more named lines sit inside this family — the tree above walks all of them.

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Sicilian Defense.