Tree path 4 levels King's Pawn Game › Sicilian Defense › Sicilian Defense › Modern Variations
B50

Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations

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Overview

Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations is a named branch in the Semi-Open Games group of chess theory, classified under ECO B50.

The Semi-Open Games group covers semi-open games — replies to 1.e4 where Black declines the symmetrical 1…e5 in favour of an asymmetric pawn structure.

Play reaches this position via 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6, after 4 plies of opening development.

In the opening tree, this line branches off from Sicilian Defense, part of the broader King's Pawn Game system.

6 distinct sub-variations branch from this opening; prominent examples include Sicilian Defense, Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with d6, Sicilian Defense: Kopec System, and others.

This is a deep theory tree with 115 total sub-variations across all depths — one of the larger branches in chess theory.

Use the board to walk through every move, check how the position has scored on Lichess, or take it head-to-head against Stockfish.

ECO code
B50
Group
Semi-Open Games (B)
Plies
4
Parent
Sicilian Defense
Direct variations
6
Total in subtree
115

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. A more detailed, human-written description is on the way — and you can speed it up by suggesting one yourself.

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Variations (6)

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