Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. d4/3...cxd4

Open Sicilian with ...Nc6 B26 Sicilian defence → 2...Nc6 → 3. d4 3...cxd4 Black captures White's d-pawn and reduces White's control of the centre. They are now playing with two centre pawns to White's one. 4. Nxd4 recaptures the pawn. White now has opened lines for their bishops to develop and join the attack. Their knight on d4 may subsequently move to b3, where it assists in the defence of their king following queen's side castling and is out of the way of a king's side pawn storm. 4. c3 is also in keeping with the position. This is a gambit that transposes into the Smith-Morra gambit if accepted. White sacrifices a pawn or two to extend their development lead. Theory table 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4 Main Line Nxd4- += References See also Sicilian Defence fi:Shakkiaapinen/Peli/1. e4/1...c5/2. Rf3/2...Rc6/3. d4/3...cxd4