Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Nimzowitsch Variation, Main Line

B29tacticaloffbeat

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3Nf6
  3. 3.e5Nd5
  4. 4.Nc3e6
  5. 5.Nxd5exd5
  6. 6.d4Nc6
363 games46%47%

Main line of the Sicilian Nimzowitsch Variation, where 6...Nc6 leads to open, sharp play around Black's doubled d-pawns; engines slightly prefer White.

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About the Main Line

With 6...Nc6, Black pressures d4 with both the c-pawn and the knight, accepting doubled d-pawns in return for open lines and quick development. The most common reply is 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. Qxd5, winning the d5-pawn. After 8...Qb6 9. Bc4 Bxf2+ 10. Ke2 O-O 11. Rf1 Bc5 12. Ng5 Nd4+ 13. Kd1, the play is sharp and judged to favor White. The other main choices on move seven are 7. c3 and 7. Bb5. Practical results are close to even, while the engine gives White a slight edge.

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