Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations
The Modern Variations start with 2.Nf3 d6, the most common move-order for Black in the Sicilian. White chooses between the Open Sicilian with d4, the Moscow check with Bb5+, or quiet setups with c3, while Black prepares ...Nf6 and a Najdorf, Dragon or Scheveningen.
- Moves
- 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6
- ECO
- B50
- Engine
- +0.24 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 20,041 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 49.7%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- 3.d4 opens the center, leading to the Najdorf, Dragon or Scheveningen depending on Black's next moves.
- 3.Bb5+ forces a trade on d7 and avoids heavy Open Sicilian theory.
- Playing c3 first prepares d4 with pawn support, aiming for a full pawn center.
- 3.Nc3 with Bc4 and d3 is a quieter setup that avoids early complications.
Black
- After d4, take on d4 and play ...Nf6 to hit e4 and force Nc3.
- Against Bb5+, block with ...Bd7 or ...Nd7 depending on whether you want simplicity or tension.
- Use ...a6 to prepare the Najdorf, or ...g6 for the Dragon, after the Open Sicilian.
- Against quiet setups, ...e5 and ...Nc6 claim central space.
Plans and pawn structure
The ...d6 move supports ...e5 and controls e5 and c5. If White opens the center, Black gets the classical Open Sicilian with ...Nf6 and a choice of setups. White's plans depend on the system: sharp attacks with f3, g4 or Bg5 in the Open lines, or slower development after Bb5+. Black's typical plans include ...a6 and ...b5 queenside expansion and ...e6 or ...e5 in the center.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.24: level. Its three top choices for White:
- +0.24 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6
- +0.13 3.Bb5+ Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Nxd7 5.Qe2 e6
- +0.12 3.Nc3 e5 4.Bc4 Be7 5.d3 Nf6
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
20,041 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 49.7%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
Where it goes next
- Delayed Alapin Variation, with d63.c3 · 5,728 games
- Moscow Variation3.Bb5+ · 4,236 games
- Chekhover Variation3.d4 · 2,003 games
- Wing Gambit, Deferred Variation3.b4 · 251 games
- Kopec System3.Bd3 · rare
- Kotov Gambit3.g3 · rare
- Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Soltis Variation3.d4 · rare
- Moscow Variation, Moscow Gambit3.Bb5+ · rare
- Delayed Alapin Variation, Basman-Palatnik Double Gambit3.c3 · rare
How to play against it
As White, choose your system and know it well: 3.d4 for open fights or 3.Bb5+ for a calmer game. Avoid lazy moves that let Black take the center with ...e5 and ...Nc6.
Questions
What are the moves of the Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations?
The Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations starts 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6. Its ECO code is B50.
Is the Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations good for Black?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.24 at depth 20, which is level. In 20,041 lichess games from our sample, White scored 49.7%. A flexible and reliable move-order for Black, while White must choose a system and play it with purpose.
What is the main idea of the Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations?
Black plays ...d6 to support ...Nf6 and keep options for the Najdorf, Dragon or Scheveningen. White chooses between the Open Sicilian with d4, the Moscow check with Bb5+, or quieter setups.
What should White play next?
The engine's first choice is d4, with Bb5+ and Nc3 close behind. 3.d4 opens the center and leads to the main Open Sicilian lines.
Related lines
- Sicilian Defense
- Bowdler Attack
- Old Sicilian
- Closed
- Alapin Variation
- McDonnell Attack
- How to beat the Sicilian Defenseguide
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.