Sicilian Defense: Boleslavsky Variation, Louma Variation (B58)

The Boleslavsky Variation, Louma Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B58. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nxc6, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up three points of material. It is Black to move after seven moves.

On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.

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Sicilian Defense: Boleslavsky Variation, Louma Variation — position after Nxc6 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nxc6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3d6
6Be2e5
7Nxc6

ECO: B58

Stockfish: +0.15 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Boleslavsky Variation, Louma Variation?

The Boleslavsky Variation, Louma Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nxc6. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B58.

What is the ECO code for the Boleslavsky Variation, Louma Variation?

The Boleslavsky Variation, Louma Variation is ECO B58. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Boleslavsky Variation, Louma Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nxc6 at +0.15 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Boleslavsky Variation, Louma Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up three points of material. It is Black to move.