ECO code: B34
Opening Name: Sicilian: Accelerated Fianchetto, Modern, 5...Nf6 6.Nxc6 bxc6
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. Nxc6 bxc6
Description: This line arises from the Accelerated Dragon variation of the Sicilian Defense. By capturing on c6 with 6.Nxc6, White inflicts doubled pawns on Black's c-file (bxc6), which can be a structural weakness. However, Black gains the bishop pair and dynamic chances with active piece play. The move 5...Nf6 develops a knight to attack White’s e4 pawn and prepares for kingside castling.
Characteristic of this move: The exchange on c6 leading to doubled c-pawns is a thematic idea in this variation, aiming to weaken Black’s pawn structure while Black focuses on rapid piece activity and fianchettoed bishop pressure along the long diagonal.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this line is generally more positional and strategic, aiming to exploit Black’s compromised pawn structure rather than launching an immediate attack. Black plays actively, often taking an attacking stance with pressure on the center and kingside via the fianchettoed bishop and knights.
Control of the Center: Both sides contest the center actively. White’s early d4 and e4 pawns establish central presence, while Black challenges it indirectly through piece pressure and counterplay rather than immediate central pawn advances.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Sicilian: Accelerated Fianchetto, Modern, 5...Nf6 6.Nxc6 bxc6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #17 black