Sicilian Variation

In the Sicilian Variation Black answers the fianchetto plan with 2...c5, adding a second pawn to the center and taking control of d4. With pawns on c5 and d5, Black takes on the space-gaining role and can aim for a formation in which White's usual e4-e5 bind is harder to set up, since ...e5 or ...e6 may follow depending on how Black continues.

White nearly always replies 3. Bg2, keeping to the standard scheme; 3. d3 and 3. d4 are rare alternatives, the latter abandoning the KIA for a more conventional queen's pawn structure. After 3. Bg2 Nc6, the French Variation, Black can choose the Reversed King's Indian with 4. O-O e5 5. d3 Nf6, playing White's role from the King's Indian Defense with a broad center, while a later ...e6 instead steers toward Franco-Sicilian structures. The engine regards the position as roughly balanced, and White scores well in online play.