Sicilian Defense: Sozin Attack, Leonhardt Variation (B88)

The Sozin Attack, Leonhardt Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B88. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bc4 e6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White 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.

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Sicilian Defense: Sozin Attack, Leonhardt Variation — position after e6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bc4 e6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3d6
6Bc4e6

ECO: B88

Stockfish: +0.37 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Sozin Attack, Leonhardt Variation?

The Sozin Attack, Leonhardt Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bc4 e6. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B88.

What is the ECO code for the Sozin Attack, Leonhardt Variation?

The Sozin Attack, Leonhardt Variation is ECO B88. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Sozin Attack, Leonhardt Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bc4 e6 at +0.37 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 Sozin Attack, Leonhardt Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move.