Sicilian Defense: Pin Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4

ECO B40

The Sicilian Defense: Pin Variation is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4.

It is catalogued under code B40 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Bb4 is chosen by Black on move 5.

2 named continuations branch from this position, including the Jaffe Variation and the Koch Variation.

The Sicilian Defense: Pin Variation 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.

Named variations

• Sicilian Defense: Pin Variation, Jaffe Variation — ECO B40
• Sicilian Defense: Pin Variation, Koch Variation — ECO B40

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.