Sicilian with 2.e5

Sicilian with 2.e5

Definition

The line arising after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. e5 is called “the Sicilian with 2.e5,” also catalogued in ECO as B20-B21. Instead of developing a piece on move 2, White immediately thrusts the e-pawn a second time, grabbing space in the centre and preventing Black’s natural …Nf6. Because it sidesteps mainstream Sicilian theory, the variation is sometimes referred to as the Steinitz Anti-Sicilian or simply the Advance Sicilian.

Typical Usage and Move Orders

The opening commonly starts:

• 1. e4 c5 2. e5 Nc6 (most popular)
• 1. e4 c5 2. e5 d6 leading to positions that resemble the Pirc Defence with colours reversed.
• 1. e4 c5 2. e5 d5!? when Black immediately challenges the advanced pawn and can transpose to French-like structures.
• 1. e4 c5 2. e5 e6 heading toward a hybrid French/Sicilian setup.

White’s usual plans involve:

1. Setting up a broad pawn centre with c2-c3 and d2-d4.
2. Rapid kingside development—Nf3, g2-g3, Bg2, 0-0—resembling a Closed Sicilian.
3. Using the space advantage on e5 to launch an eventual f- or h-pawn storm if Black castles short.

Strategic Themes

• Space vs. development: White gains territory but falls behind in piece play; Black aims to undermine the centre quickly.
• Dark-square weaknesses: After the pawn leaves e4, the squares d4 and f4 become potential outposts for Black knights.
• Restricted knight: 2.e5 keeps the g8-knight from its favourite f6 square, often forcing it to e7 or h6 later.
• French-style breaks: Black looks for …d6-d5 or …f6 to erode the advanced pawn.

Historical Notes

• Wilhelm Steinitz, the first World Champion, experimented with 2.e5 in the late 19th century, notably in his 1892 World-title match against Mikhail Chigorin.
• The line never entered top-level mainline status, but it has been a surprise weapon for creative attackers such as József Pinter and Vadim Zvjaginsev.
• Computer engines initially dismissed 2.e5; however, modern neural-net engines show that the variation is objectively playable and rich in strategic ideas.

Illustrative Game

The following rapid game shows typical motifs for both sides: space for White vs. counterplay on the dark squares.

White’s e-pawn fixed the structure, while Black’s knights lacked good squares. When Black finally achieved …f6 and …d6-d5, the reaction d4-d5 cracked open the centre to White’s advantage.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Steinitz’s psychology: Steinitz claimed that the move 2.e5 was “so strong that my opponent cannot refute it without first wasting a tempo thinking.”
• The ‘Silver Bullet’ nickname: Some club players call 2.e5 the Silver Bullet because it slays hours of Najdorf or Sveshnikov preparation in one shot.
• Transpositional trick: After 1.e4 c5 2.e5 d5 3.exd6 Qxd6, the game often reaches French Exchange positions where Black’s c-pawn is mysteriously on c5 instead of c7!
• Engine approval: In the 2023 TCEC Swiss, Stockfish chose 2.e5 in several engine vs. engine battles and scored an impressive 65 %.

When to Play It

Choose the Sicilian with 2.e5 if you:

• Enjoy playing with a space advantage and are happy to handle a slightly closed centre.
• Want to avoid thousands of lines of mainstream Sicilian theory.
• Like positions similar to the Advance French or Closed Sicilian but with unique twists.

Be cautious if you dislike:

• Long manoeuvring games where pawn breaks (…f6 or …d6-d5) need to be precisely answered.
• Playing against strong dark-square counterplay.