9

I like to play 4...e5 in the Open Sicilian in my games, usually facing something like this:

[StartPly "8"]

[fen ""]
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 e5 5. Nb3 Nc6

I do this to:

  1. Chase the knight so that it doesn't block advancing my pieces.
  2. Regain control of the center after 3...cxd4.
  3. Gain a tempo.

Is there any disadvantage in doing this ?

Improve this question
1
  • 1
    To me it seems it wouldn't be long until that d pawn became weak. It is going to be a while until it reaches d4 and is defended by the e pawn and since there is no black c pawn, it can't be defended by a pawn chain in the near future. It can also turn into an isolated pawn after f4.
    – 11684
    Commented Sep 9, 2015 at 18:25

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
12

After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5 5.Nb3 Nc6, the position is probably fine for black.

However, after 4....e5, white seems to have a stronger reply: 5.Bb5+. According to the Game Database of ChessTempo, this is also the most popular move. Now, black has two options: 4....Bd7 or 4....Nd7. After both moves, white can put his knight on f5 and obtain a slightly better position.

Therefore, I would say that 4....e5 is a small inaccuracy. However, the ideas behind the move (occupying the center, gaining a tempo) are perfectly fine.

Maybe it is interesting to take a look at:

  • the Sveshnikov variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5
  • the Kalashnikov variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5
  • the Classical variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6, and after 6.Be2, 6....e5
  • the Najdorf variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6, and after 6.Be2, 6....e5

      [FEN ""]
      [StartPly "3"]

      1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 (2...Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 (4...e5) 5.Nc3 e5) 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5 (4...Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 (5...Nc6 6.Be2 e5) 6.Be2 e5) 5.Bb5+ (5.Nb3 Nc6) 5...Nd7 (5...Bd7 6.Bxd7+ Qxd7 7.Nf5) 6.Nf5
Improve this answer
3
  • These variations seem very interesting. I particularly like the Najdorf variation of the idea.
    – Amr Ayman
    Commented Sep 9, 2015 at 17:18
  • The Najdorf is a good opening and probably the most popular Sicilian. The e5-idea is not always good in this variation however. For instance, after 6.Bc4 or 6.Bg5, you should not play 6....e5, as it weakens the d5-square too much. Good luck!
    – Maxwell86
    Commented Sep 9, 2015 at 20:47
  • I think the obvious reason not to play e5 here is that the d pawn is backwards and for White to attack the d pawn is a theme in the Sicilian.
    – Jeff
    Commented Mar 19, 2018 at 6:21

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.