Chessy
Sicilian Defense: Marshall Counterattack for Black
This opening is sharp in name, but the first lesson is simple: after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 d5, White is the one to move and you need to know your response plans. The position is already critical, so your choices matter immediately. In the drill below, practise the main engine-approved reply, spot the most common continuations, and learn which moves let your opponent keep the advantage. If you want a practical way to handle this opening as Black, start here.
Play the Sicilian Defense: Marshall Counterattack against the engine
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Create a free account →What the position asks Black to do
The tabiya after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 d5 is about resolving the centre without falling behind in development or king safety. The engine’s top choice is exd5, and that is the move you should be ready for in the drill. The main idea is straightforward: meet White’s central tension head-on instead of drifting into a passive position. Since it is White to move, you must understand what White is most likely to try and how to answer it cleanly.
What the engine and database say
Stockfish rates this +0.83, a clear, lasting advantage for White. That means you are already worse here, so your job is to reduce the pressure and avoid making the edge bigger. The database reflects a very busy position: across 1,681,232 games White scores 48.8%, draws 4.0%, and Black wins 47.1%. In other words, this is a practical battle, but the numbers do not hide the fact that White has the easier game.
The most common replies to know
The most-played continuation is exd5 with 852,828 games, and White scores 50.4% there. Other major tries are e5 with 293,741 games and White scoring 46.6%, dxc5 with 213,264 games and White scoring 47.1%, Nc3 with 124,070 games and White scoring 50.0%, Bb5+ with 68,600 games and White scoring 48.9%, and c3 with 39,476 games and White scoring 45.8%. If you want a practical repertoire, focus first on the most popular move and then make sure you recognise the rest when they appear in the drill.
Mistakes you should punish less often
Some White moves in this position are clearly worse than the main lines. e5 is an inaccuracy that loses about 0.8 pawns, with exd5 better. dxc5 is also an inaccuracy that loses about 0.6 pawns, again with exd5 better. c3 is the biggest listed mistake, losing about 1.8 pawns, and the better move is still exd5. That does not mean White collapses on the spot, but it does mean you can expect better practical chances if you stay accurate.
Results across 1,681,232 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| exd5 | 852,828 | 50.4% |
| e5 | 293,741 | 46.6% |
| dxc5 | 213,264 | 47.1% |
| Nc3 | 124,070 | 50.0% |
| Bb5+ | 68,600 | 48.9% |
| c3 | 39,476 | 45.8% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main move for Black in this Sicilian Defense: Marshall Counterattack position?
The engine’s best move here is **exd5**. It is the move to learn first in the drill, because it is the recommended way to meet the centre directly.
Is this opening good for Black?
The engine gives **+0.83**, a clear, lasting advantage for White. That means you are already worse here, so the opening is playable but demands accuracy.
Which White reply appears most often in the database?
The most-played continuation is **exd5**, with **852,828 games**. White scores **50.4%** there, so you should be especially comfortable facing it.
Which White moves are mistakes in this position?
The listed mistakes are **e5**, **dxc5**, and **c3**. Among them, **c3** is the biggest mistake, and all three are better answered by **exd5**.
How many games feature the Sicilian Defense: Marshall Counterattack?
Over 2 million Lichess games have reached the Sicilian Defense: Marshall Counterattack position. White wins 48.8%, Black wins 47.1%, with 4.0% draws — based on real rated games.