The Main Line is a variation of the Sicilian, Sveshnikov Variation, catalogued as ECO B33. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 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 two minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves.
On the Sicilian, Sveshnikov Variation generally: A sharp, modern Sicilian where Black immediately fights for the center with ...e5. Leads to complex, double-edged positions with weakened d5 vs active piece play.
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See all 9 Sicilian, Sveshnikov Variation variations →
The Main Line goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5. It is a variation of the Sicilian, Sveshnikov Variation and is catalogued as ECO B33.
The Main Line is ECO B33. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian, Sveshnikov Variation.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 at +0.38 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.