Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation, Sveshnikov Transfer

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Nf6 6.Ndb5 d6

ECO B45

The Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation, Sveshnikov Transfer is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Nf6 6.Ndb5 d6.

It is catalogued under code B45 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move d6 is chosen by Black on move 6.

The Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation, Sveshnikov Transfer is a line of the Sicilian Defense. The Sicilian Defense is a chess opening that begins 1.e4 c5. Read the complete Sicilian Defense guide: what it is, how to reach it, its main variations, how to play against it, and its history.

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Beat the rare ...e6 Sicilians 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.