Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind, Geller Line (B32)

The O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind, Geller Line is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B32. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. c4 e5, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at one minor pieces each. 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.

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Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind, Geller Line — position after e5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. c4 e5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4a6
5c4e5

ECO: B32

Stockfish: +0.56 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind, Geller Line?

The O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind, Geller Line goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. c4 e5. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B32.

What is the ECO code for the O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind, Geller Line?

The O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind, Geller Line is ECO B32. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind, Geller Line good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. c4 e5 at +0.56 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 O'Kelly Variation, Maróczy Bind, Geller Line lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is White to move.