Chess Openings Lab
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Sicilian Defense: Staunton-Cochrane Variation

The Staunton-Cochrane Variation is 2.c4, where White grabs d5 with pawns on c4 and e4 before developing a knight. White aims for a slow setup with Nc3, Ne2 and d3 or a later d4, while Black uses the weakened d4 square with ...Nc6 and ...e5 or a fianchetto.

Moves
1.e4 c5 2.c4
ECO
B20
Engine
−0.03 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
Played
5,140 games in our lichess sample
White scores
49.2%

Key ideas for both sides

White

  • Develop with Nc3 and Ne2 so the f-pawn stays free for f4 later.
  • Play d4 after Nge2 and recapture with the knight when Black's setup allows it.
  • Use Nd5 once Black plays ...e5, as in the top engine line, to plant a knight on the hole.

Black

  • Play ...Nc6 and ...e5 to grab d4 for the knight, since c4 has weakened it.
  • ...d6, ...g6 and ...Bg7 make a solid setup that aims at d4 and b2.
  • With ...Nf6 and ...e6, Black can wait for d4 and recapture to reach an open position.

Plans and pawn structure

The c4 and e4 pawns give White a firm hold on d5, but the d4 square becomes a hole for Black's knight. With ...Nc6, ...e5 and ...Nd4, Black owns that square, and White answers with Nd5 and f4. If White plays d4 after Nge2, the game turns into an Open Sicilian with an early Maroczy bind. Black should develop calmly and aim at d4.

Where the engine's main line heads: Open game: e4 against e5. An open game: e4 against e5. Development, the f7 and f2 squares, and the d4 or d5 break are what count.

What the engine plays from here

Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position −0.03: level. Its three top choices for Black:

  1. −0.03 2...d6 3.Ne2 e5 4.d3 g6 5.Nbc3
  2. −0.02 2...Nf6 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.Nge2 e6 5.d4
  3. +0.02 2...Nc6 3.Ne2 Nf6 4.Nbc3 e6 5.d4

Pawns, from White's side.

How it scores on lichess

5,140 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 49.2%.

under 120047.5%
1200–159948.6%
1600–199949.3%
2000 and up51.3%

Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.

Where it goes next

  • Gloria Variation2...d6 · rare

How to play against it

As Black, take aim at d4 with ...Nc6 and ...e5 or a ...g6 setup. Do not rush ...d5, which only helps White open the center. Develop calmly; the weakened d4 square does not go away. A knight on d4 is often Black's best piece.

Questions

What are the moves of the Sicilian Defense: Staunton-Cochrane Variation?

The Sicilian Defense: Staunton-Cochrane Variation starts 1.e4 c5 2.c4. Its ECO code is B20.

Is the Sicilian Defense: Staunton-Cochrane Variation good for White?

Stockfish 17.1 rates the position −0.03 at depth 20, which is level. In 5,140 lichess games from our sample, White scored 49.2%. A quiet system for White players who like space and slow maneuvering, and Black gets an easy game by aiming at d4.

What is the main idea of the Sicilian Defense: Staunton-Cochrane Variation?

White plays c4 early to control d5 with two pawns. The cost is the d4 square, which Black targets with ...Nc6, ...e5 and a knight landing on d4.

What should Black play next?

The engine's first choice is d6, with Nf6 and Nc6 close behind. 2...d6 keeps ...e5 and ...g6 ready against White's slow plan.

Updated October 2026. Sources and method.