Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Prins Variation, Venice Attack

B55offbeataggressive

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3d6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.Nxd4Nf6
  5. 5.f3e5
  6. 6.Bb5+
174 games59%38%

A rare Prins Variation line in which White checks with 6. Bb5+ so the d4-knight can reach f5, giving up the c4 plan for quicker piece play.

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About the Venice Attack

The Venice Attack inserts the check 6. Bb5+ before the knight retreats. Once Black blocks, the knight can go to f5 instead of b3. The price is the c4 plan, because Black gains tempi on the bishop with ...a6 and ...b5. Blocking with 6...Bd7 and with 6...Nbd7 are almost equally common. A known line runs 6...Nbd7 7. Nf5 d5 8. exd5 a6 9. Ba4 b5 10. Bb3 Nb6, with equal chances. The line is rarely played.

Popular continuations