Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6

ECO B56

The Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6.

It is catalogued under code B56 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Nc6 is chosen by Black on move 5.

4 named continuations branch from this position, including the Fianchetto Variation and the Anti-Sozin Variation.

Named variations

• Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation, Fianchetto Variation — ECO B56
• Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation, Anti-Sozin Variation — ECO B57
• Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation, Sozin Attack — ECO B57
• Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation, Dragon Transfer — ECO B58

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the The English Attack vs. Najdorf Sicilian course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.