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Sicilian Defense

Coles Sicilian Gambit

B21gambitoffbeat

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.d4cxd4
  3. 3.Qxd4Nc6
  4. 4.Qd1Nf6
  5. 5.Bc4
147 games38%60%

A rare Sicilian sideline in which White, after an early queen sortie and retreat to d1, plays 5. Bc4 and leaves the e4-pawn unprotected.

Train it in Theoria

About the Coles Sicilian Gambit

The Coles Sicilian Gambit arises after White recaptures on d4 with the queen and retreats it to d1 once 3...Nc6 gains time. White then plays 5. Bc4, developing the bishop toward f7 but leaving the e4-pawn without protection. Black most often takes it with 5...Nxe4, the engine's first choice, while 5...e6 is the main alternative and scores even better. Black wins most games in practice, the engine gives Black a clear advantage, and the line is rarely seen.

Popular continuations