Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Wing Attack (B43)

The Kan Variation, Wing Attack is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B43. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 b5, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero. It is White to move after five 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.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Wing Attack — position after b5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 b5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3e6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4a6
5Nc3b5

ECO: B43

Stockfish: +0.33 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Kan Variation, Wing Attack?

The Kan Variation, Wing Attack goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 b5. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B43.

What is the ECO code for the Kan Variation, Wing Attack?

The Kan Variation, Wing Attack is ECO B43. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Kan Variation, Wing Attack good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 b5 at +0.33 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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 Kan Variation, Wing Attack lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero. It is White to move.