Sicilian Defense, Nf6, Be3, e5, Nf3BETA

The main move, developing the knight with an eye on the center. White prepares to open the position with d4, but capture back with the f3-knight.

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.