Chess Openings Lab
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Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit, Deferred Variation

The Deferred Variation of the Wing Gambit is 2.Nf3 d6 3.b4, offering the b-pawn after Black has already played ...d6. White wants to use the deflection to play d4 and build a classical center, while Black takes the pawn and develops calmly.

Moves
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.b4
ECO
B50
Engine
−0.26 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
Played
251 games in our lichess sample
White scores
46.6%

Key ideas for both sides

White

  • After 3...cxb4 4.d4, build the e4 and d4 center and develop with 5.Bd3 and quick castling.
  • Play a3 later to open the a-file and regain the b4 pawn when it suits you.
  • Against 3...Nf6, the line 4.bxc5 Nxe4 5.cxd6 gives open lines and a Na3-c4 knight route.
  • The c-pawn can go to c3 or c4 to support d4 and fight for space.

Black

  • 3...cxb4 is the engine's choice; follow with ...Nf6 and ...Nc6 to hit e4 and d4.
  • The ...d6 pawn already covers e5, so White's e5 push needs careful preparation.
  • 3...Nf6 is a sharp option, grabbing e4 after White takes on c5.
  • ...e6 and ...Be7 give a solid Scheveningen-like setup while you keep the extra pawn.

Plans and pawn structure

White gives a pawn to get the e4 and d4 center. Black, with ...d6 already in, has a solid shell: ...Nf6, ...Nc6, ...e6, ...Be7 and castling. White develops with Bd3, O-O and a3, hoping space lets a kingside attack begin. Black keeps the b4 pawn if it is safe and pressures d4 with ...Nc6 and the queen. The engine slightly prefers Black, and the side that develops faster usually decides the game.

What the engine plays from here

Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position −0.26: level. Its three top choices for Black:

  1. −0.26 3...cxb4 4.d4 Nf6 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.O-O
  2. −0.15 3...Nf6 4.bxc5 Nxe4 5.cxd6 Nxd6 6.Na3
  3. −0.11 3...a6 4.bxc5 dxc5 5.Be2 Nc6 6.O-O

Pawns, from White's side.

How it scores on lichess

251 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 46.6%.

1200–159950.0%
1600–199948.2%
2000 and up42.8%

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

How to play against it

As Black, take on b4 and develop. Hit the center with ...Nf6 and ...Nc6. Do not rush ...e5, which hands White the d5 square. If White plays a3, you can trade on a3 or keep the pawn on b4, depending on how far your development has come.

Questions

What are the moves of the Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit, Deferred Variation?

The Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit, Deferred Variation starts 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.b4. Its ECO code is B50.

Is the Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit, Deferred Variation good for White?

Stockfish 17.1 rates the position −0.26 at depth 20, which is level. In 251 lichess games from our sample, White scored 46.6%. A practical surprise for White, but sound defenders on the Black side get a pawn and easy development.

What is the main idea of the Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit, Deferred Variation?

White sacrifices the b-pawn so d4 can be played with a strong pawn center. Black takes, develops with ...Nf6 and ...Nc6, and keeps a comfortable extra pawn.

What should Black play next?

The engine's first choice is cxb4, with Nf6 and a6 close behind. 3...cxb4 accepts the pawn, and after 4.d4 Nf6 Black develops fast against White's center.

Updated October 2026. Sources and method.