Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit, Nanu Gambit (B20)

The Wing Gambit, Nanu Gambit is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B20. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4 3. a3 d5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Nf3 e5 6. c4 Qe6 7. Bd3, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on e5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after seven moves. Black has doubled pawns on the b-file; White’s a-file pawn is isolated.

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: Wing Gambit, Nanu Gambit — position after Bd3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4 3. a3 d5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Nf3 e5 6. c4 Qe6 7. Bd3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2b4cxb4
3a3d5
4exd5Qxd5
5Nf3e5
6c4Qe6
7Bd3

ECO: B20

Stockfish: -0.70 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Wing Gambit, Nanu Gambit?

The Wing Gambit, Nanu Gambit goes 1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4 3. a3 d5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Nf3 e5 6. c4 Qe6 7. Bd3. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B20.

What is the ECO code for the Wing Gambit, Nanu Gambit?

The Wing Gambit, Nanu Gambit is ECO B20. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Wing Gambit, Nanu Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4 3. a3 d5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Nf3 e5 6. c4 Qe6 7. Bd3 at -0.70 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. 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 Wing Gambit, Nanu Gambit lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on e5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the b-file; White’s a-file pawn is isolated.