Sicilian, Wing Gambit Accepted

Sicilian, Wing Gambit Accepted

Definition

The Sicilian, Wing Gambit Accepted is a sharp, off-beat line in the Sicilian Defence that begins 1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4. By offering (and allowing Black to accept) the b-pawn, White tries to deflect Black’s c-pawn away from the centre, seize rapid central space with c2–c4 or d2–d4, and generate attacking chances on the kingside. In the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings it is classified under codes B20–B21.

Typical Move-Order

The main branch continues:

• 1. e4 c5 2. b4 cxb4 3. a3 d5 4. exd5 Qxd5 5. Nf3. (White also tries 3. d4, 3. c4, or 3. Nf3.)

After 3. a3 Black can decline the gambit with 3…e5 or 3…Nc6, but once 2…cxb4 is played the line is considered “Accepted.”

Strategic Themes

• Central Foot-hold for White
  By luring the c-pawn off the c-file, White hopes to break with d2–d4 or c2–c4 without facing …cxd4.
• Rapid Development
  White’s pieces often head for active squares (Nc3, Bb2, Nf3, 0-0-0) while Black spends time protecting the extra b-pawn.
• Queenside Weaknesses
  The half-open a- and b-files can become highways for White’s rooks, especially if Black plays …a6 to keep the pawn.
• Counter-punching for Black
  If Black survives the opening assault, the outside passed b-pawn can become a long-term asset, and the weakened White queenside squares (a3, b4) may be targets.

Historical Context

The Wing Gambit was popularised in the late 19th century by American master Preston Ware and later appeared in several of World Champion Emanuel Lasker’s off-beat experiments. Its “accepted” form in the Sicilian has never been mainstream at top level, but it has surfaced in surprise weapons:

• Lasker – Tarrasch, St. Petersburg 1914 (friendly game) – Lasker won a sparkling attack.
• Kogan – Short, Gibraltar 2004 – Former World-title challenger Nigel Short essayed 2…cxb4 and converted the extra pawn in an endgame.
• Tiviakov’s Blitz Tests – GM Sergey Tiviakov, an authority on sideline Sicilians, has tried the gambit in online blitz with success, citing its practical value.

Illustrative Miniature

The following 20-move skirmish shows typical motifs. (White sacrifices, rapid development; Black falls behind.)

Practical Guidelines

1. Know Your Follow-ups – After 2…cxb4 be ready with 3. a3 or 3. d4; hesitation forfeits initiative.
2. Keep the King Safe – White usually castles long (0-0-0) only after the centre is stable; an early 0-0 is safer in most lines.
3. Black Shouldn’t Be Greedy – Grabbing a second pawn with …bxa3?! often opens files toward the black king and has scored poorly in practice.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The name “Wing” stems from the early flank (wing) pawn thrust, b2–b4, analogous to the Queen’s Gambit on the opposite wing.
• In some old manuals the idea was credited to Captain Evans of Evans Gambit fame, even though no direct evidence links him to the line.
• Computer engines evaluate the position after 2…cxb4 around +0.20 for Black—objectively fine, but hardly enough to deter adventurous human players seeking unbalanced play.
• Streamers and online bullet specialists often adopt the Wing Gambit because it yanks opponents out of booked Sicilian main lines after just two moves.
• Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura used the move 2. b4 (though not accepted) in a 2020 speed-chess match to surprise GM Wesley So.

Why Study It?

Even if you never intend to play the Wing Gambit, understanding its ideas deepens your appreciation of central versus flank play, pawn sacrifices for development, and the dynamic character of the Sicilian Defence. For Sicilian players with Black, knowing crisp antidotes (…d5, …Nc6, …e5 setups) prevents unpleasant shocks in rapid and blitz formats.