Chessy
Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Dunne Attack as White
The Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Dunne Attack starts with 1.e4 c5 2.g3, and the position is immediately one you can play as White from a very flexible setup. There is no early knockout and no clear advantage to claim: the engine says the position is level, so your job is to understand the plans and punish poor replies. Use the drill below to learn what Black usually plays, what the engine prefers, and how to keep the game on practical terms.
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Create a free account →What this opening is aiming for
With 2.g3, White keeps the position calm and prepares a fianchetto setup. That usually means you are looking for a solid middlegame where your pieces work together and you stay ready to respond to Black's central and queenside choices. Because the position is level, this is not about forcing a big advantage early. It is about getting a comfortable structure, making sensible development moves, and steering the game into a position you understand better than your opponent.
The engine's main answer
Stockfish rates this -0.06, a tiny edge for Black. That means you are basically equal here, so there is no reason to panic or overpush. The engine's best move is Nc6, continuing Nc6 Bg2 g6 Ne2, which shows the kind of natural development Black often chooses in this line. In the drill, focus on staying calm against that setup and keeping your own pieces coordinated rather than chasing tactics that are not there.
What the database says
The big picture from the database is very balanced: across 1,221,741 games at this exact position, White wins 48.3%, draws 4.1%, and Black wins 47.6%. That is another sign that this opening is perfectly playable and not an automatic advantage for either side. The most-played continuations are Nc6, d6, e6, g6, e5, and d5, so you will meet a wide range of normal Sicilian development choices rather than one forced reply.
The moves you will face most often
The most common continuation is Nc6, with 547,441 games and White scoring 48.1%. After that come d6 with 284,367 games and White scoring 48.3%, e6 with 170,758 games and White scoring 48.6%, g6 with 63,928 games and White scoring 46.9%, e5 with 46,323 games and White scoring 49.8%, and d5 with 39,951 games and White scoring 44.9%. The practical lesson is simple: you need to be ready for several sensible Black setups, not just one fixed answer.
Results across 1,221,741 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | 547,441 | 48.1% |
| d6 | 284,367 | 48.3% |
| e6 | 170,758 | 48.6% |
| g6 | 63,928 | 46.9% |
| e5 | 46,323 | 49.8% |
| d5 | 39,951 | 44.9% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Dunne Attack good for White?
It is a fully playable way to meet the Sicilian. The engine says the position is dead level, so you are not trying to win by force in the opening. Instead, you aim for a sound setup and a middlegame you can handle well.
What is Black's best move here?
The engine's best move is Nc6. In the listed continuation, Black follows with Nc6 Bg2 g6 Ne2, showing a natural developing setup. Your drill is to meet that kind of development without losing your own structure or coordination.
What does the database say about this position?
Across 1,221,741 games at this exact position, the results are very close: White wins 48.3%, draws 4.1%, and Black wins 47.6%. That tells you this is a balanced opening position, not one where either side is running away with the game.
Which replies should I expect most often?
The most-played continuations are Nc6, d6, e6, g6, e5, and d5. Nc6 is by far the most common, so it makes sense to spend most of your practice time there first. After that, make sure you also recognise the other main pawn and piece setups.
How many games feature the Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Dunne Attack?
Over 1 million Lichess games have reached the Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Dunne Attack position. White wins 48.3%, Black wins 47.6%, with 4.1% draws — based on real rated games.