Sicilian Defense: Sozin Attack (B86)

The Sozin Attack is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B86. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bc4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after six 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: Sozin Attack — position after Bc4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bc4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3e6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3d6
6Bc4

ECO: B86

Stockfish: +0.25 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Sozin Attack?

The Sozin Attack goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bc4. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B86.

What is the ECO code for the Sozin Attack?

The Sozin Attack is ECO B86. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Sozin Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bc4 at +0.25 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 Sozin Attack lead to?

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