Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Four Knights Variation, Cobra Variation

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  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3e6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.Nxd4Nc6
  5. 5.Nc3Nf6
  6. 6.Ndb5Bc5
881 games46%48%

A Sicilian Four Knights sideline in which Black answers 6. Ndb5 with 6...Bc5, developing actively and often heading for an ending after 7. Bf4.

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About the Cobra Variation

Instead of the Sveshnikov-bound 6...d6 or the pin 6...Bb4, Black places the bishop on c5. The most frequent reply is 7. Nd6+, while the theoretical main line runs 7. Bf4 O-O 8. Bc7 Qe7 9. Bd6 Bxd6 10. Qxd6. Black then chooses between the retreat 10...Qe8 and the drawish ending after 10...Ne8 11. Qxd7 Nxd7. The engine gives White a slight edge, but practical results are close to even.

Popular continuations