Sicilian Defense, d5BETA

d5 is the typical pawn break black wants to achieve in order to develop all of their pieces and equalize central control. However, it has to be timed carefully, since white typically has a large lead in development in most Sicilians. Blowing open the center when you are behind in development could be disastrous if it allows your opponent's pieces to spring into the attack.

The Sicilian is a counterattacking game. By keeping the game asymmetrical, black wants imbalances in the position, which can eventually lead to a double-edged position with winning chances on both sides.

In the Open Sicilian, white has a lead in development and a stronger center. In return, black has two pawns in the center, and can eventually expand to take over the center. White often plays for a kingside attack, while black counter attacks against the queenside or after white over-extends during their kingside assault.