Chessy
Sicilian Defense: French Variation, Westerinen Attack
After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.b3, you are steering the game into a quieter Sicilian where rapid piece activity matters more than memorising long forcing lines. The position is already playable for White, and the drill below lets you practise the plans that keep the game flexible. Focus on development, central control, and where your bishop belongs once the structure settles. Then test yourself against the engine’s best response and the most common continuations from this exact position.
Play the Sicilian Defense: French Variation, Westerinen Attack against the engine
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Create a free account →A modest edge, not a free lunch
Stockfish rates this +0.28, a small edge for White. That means you stand a little better, but only if you handle the opening with care.
The database is also very balanced: across 195,596 games at this exact position, White wins 48.0%, draws 3.7%, and Black wins 48.3%. That tells you this is a practical opening, not a sharp trap. You should aim for sound development and good piece placement rather than hoping for an early knockout.
What Black’s best reply asks of you
The engine’s best move here is Nc6, continuing Nc6 Bb2 d5 Bb5. The point is simple: Black develops and immediately challenges your setup.
Your job is to stay flexible and keep your pieces active. In these structures, move choices that improve coordination and control key central squares matter more than grabbing space for its own sake.
The most common replies you should know
The position is common enough to have several major continuations. The most-played one is Nc6, with 71,958 games, and White scores 48.4% there.
Other important replies are a6, with 39,456 games and White scoring 48.7%; d5, with 38,393 games and White scoring 46.4%; Nf6, with 15,270 games and White scoring 46.7%; d6, with 8,207 games and White scoring 46.5%; and b6, with 3,831 games and White scoring 47.7%.
That spread suggests you should be ready for different central pawn plans from Black, not just one fixed answer.
How to think about the middlegame
This opening usually leads to a middlegame where both sides have developed naturally and the first real battle is over the centre and the activity of the bishops and knights. Since you have already chosen b3, your position often rewards calm setup and accurate coordination.
Do not rush. If your pieces are placed well, you can keep a small edge and make Black solve the first strategic problems.
Results across 195,596 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | 71,958 | 48.4% |
| a6 | 39,456 | 48.7% |
| d5 | 38,393 | 46.4% |
| Nf6 | 15,270 | 46.7% |
| d6 | 8,207 | 46.5% |
| b6 | 3,831 | 47.7% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sicilian Defense: French Variation, Westerinen Attack good for White?
Yes, it is playable for White. Stockfish gives it +0.28, which is a small edge for White. The database also shows a very even score overall, so you should treat it as a practical opening rather than a forced advantage.
What is Black’s best move after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.b3?
The engine’s best move is Nc6. The listed continuation is Nc6 Bb2 d5 Bb5, which shows that Black develops quickly and challenges White’s setup right away.
What are the most common replies in this position?
The most-played continuations are Nc6, a6, d5, Nf6, d6, and b6. Nc6 is the most common with 71,958 games, followed by a6 with 39,456 and d5 with 38,393.
Should I expect a sharp attacking game here?
Not usually. This position is more about piece activity, central control, and steady development than about immediate tactics. You will do best if you stay flexible and play the middlegame with good coordination.
How many games feature the Sicilian Defense: French Variation, Westerinen Attack?
Over 195K Lichess games have reached the Sicilian Defense: French Variation, Westerinen Attack position. White wins 48.0%, Black wins 48.3%, with 3.7% draws — based on real rated games.