Chessy
Sicilian Defense: McDonnell Attack, Toilet Variation
This is one of those sharp sidelines where White grabs space early, but Black is already asking hard questions in the centre. The position after 1.e4 c5 2.f4 d5 3.Nc3 is your starting point in the drill, and it is Black to move. Stockfish rates this -0.38, a small edge for Black. That means you are slightly worse here, so your first job is to stay accurate and keep the position playable.
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Create a free account →What Black is aiming for
The engine’s best move is d4, and that tells you a lot about the position. Black wants to hit the centre immediately and make White deal with the tension instead of building a comfortable setup. In practical terms, you should expect a fight over central squares, quick development, and very little time to drift. For White, the key is not to panic: you need to respond cleanly and avoid allowing Black’s central play to grow into a lasting bind.
What the game statistics say
Across 41,478 games at this exact position, Black scores better overall. White wins 45.0%, draws 3.2%, and Black wins 51.8%. That is a useful warning sign: this is not a harmless sideline where White can relax. If you are using the drill as White, treat it as a practical test of whether you can survive the opening with good development and a stable centre.
The replies you will see most often
The most common continuation is d4, with 21,883 games and White scoring 44.1%. The second most common is dxe4, with 14,646 games and White scoring 45.0%. You will also face e6 in 2,557 games with White scoring 47.0%, Nf6 in 1,590 games with White scoring 48.5%, Nc6 in 434 games with White scoring 52.3%, and e5 in 99 games with White scoring 59.6%. The drill is built to help you recognise these branches quickly and make a sensible choice under pressure.
Moves Black should punish
There are a few clear warnings in this position. Nf6 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.7 pawns; the better move was d4. Nc6 is a mistake and loses about 1.5 pawns; again, d4 was better. e5 is also a mistake and loses about 1.8 pawns; once more, d4 was the stronger choice. That is useful for your drill: if Black gets greedy or drifts, you should know which replies are being flagged as the most direct and accurate.
Results across 41,478 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| d4 | 21,883 | 44.1% |
| dxe4 | 14,646 | 45.0% |
| e6 | 2,557 | 47.0% |
| Nf6 | 1,590 | 48.5% |
| Nc6 | 434 | 52.3% |
| e5 | 99 | 59.6% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sicilian Defense: McDonnell Attack, Toilet Variation good for White?
The numbers here say White is not better in the starting position. Stockfish gives **-0.38**, which is a small edge for Black, and the game results also slightly favour Black. White can still play it, but you need to handle the centre carefully.
What is the best move for Black in this position?
The engine’s best move is **d4**. It is the move you should be ready for in the drill because it puts immediate pressure on White’s central structure and keeps Black active.
What should White expect after this opening line?
You should expect direct central play rather than a quiet manoeuvring game. The statistics show that **d4** and **dxe4** are the most common continuations, so your training should focus on dealing with those practical choices.
Which moves are the main mistakes to watch for?
The listed mistakes are **Nf6**, **Nc6**, and **e5**. All three are marked as inferior to **d4**, with **Nc6** and **e5** especially costly. If Black chooses one of them, you should look for the most accurate way to keep your position solid.
How many games feature the Sicilian Defense: McDonnell Attack, Toilet Variation?
Over 41K Lichess games have reached the Sicilian Defense: McDonnell Attack, Toilet Variation position. White wins 45.0%, Black wins 51.8%, with 3.2% draws — based on real rated games.