Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. e5

Sicilian - English Variation
a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/8/2p1P3/8/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR b
Moves: 1.e4 c5 2.e5
ECO code: B20
Parent: Sicilian Defence

Sicilian with 2.e5

This rarely seen move has some logical basis. The pawn on e5 prevents Black playing Nf6 and so the Black Kingside is cramped for a while. White can support the e5 pawn with Nf3. The drawback for White of 2.e5 is no added pressure is brought to the center, especially on d4 or d5 and the extra tempo allows Black various options, the main one is play Nc6 which hinders White's d4 move as well as attacking the as yet undefended e5 pawn.

Theory table

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1.e4 c5 2.e5

	2	3
	e5 Nc6	Nf3 g6	=
	... e6	Nf3 d5	=
	... d6	Nf3 dxe5	=
Scandinavian Defence by transposition	... d5	f4 Nc6	∞