Chessy
Sicilian Defense: Myers Attack, with h4
The Sicilian Defense: Myers Attack, with h4 is an early side-step that asks Black an immediate question, but it also gives away some central influence. After 1.e4 c5 2.h4, the position is already ready for a practical test: Black to move, White to prove the idea over the board. Stockfish rates this -0.36, a small plus for Black. That means you are slightly worse here, so your drill is about playing with energy and avoiding passivity from the very first moves.
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Create a free account →What the opening is really asking for
This line is not about memorising a long theory tree. It is about seeing whether the h-pawn thrust creates real problems or simply weakens the position. As White, you are choosing a sharp, offbeat setup in the hope of taking your opponent out of familiar patterns. The downside is that the move can also slow development and leave you with less support in the centre. In the drill, focus on how quickly Black can answer and whether your kingside space actually leads to anything concrete.
The engine’s main reply to know
The engine’s best move here is Nc6, and the suggested continuation is Nc6 Nc3 Nf6 Bb5. That tells you the most important practical lesson: Black is happy to develop naturally while keeping pressure on the game. Your task is not to force something immediately, but to keep your position coherent and make sure the h-pawn move does not become a target in the long run. If you are playing White in the drill, stay alert to simple development from Black and avoid wasting more tempi.
What the database says about this position
The numbers are not friendly to White. Across 81,075 games at this exact position, White wins 43.0%, draws 3.6%, and Black wins 53.4%. That is a clear signal that this opening choice does not give White an easy ride. The most-played continuations also show Black choosing calm, normal development: Nc6 was played in 35,390 games, d6 in 17,282 games, e6 in 11,673 games, e5 in 3,287 games, d5 in 2,877 games, and g6 in 2,661 games. For a learner, the message is simple: expect Black to respond sensibly, not nervously.
How to approach the drill as White
Since the opening is already slightly better for Black, your aim is to play accurately and keep the position flexible. Develop your pieces, watch your king’s safety, and do not assume that the early pawn push will create an attack by itself. In practical terms, this is a good drill for learning when an unusual opening idea is playable and when it just hands the opponent an easy game. If Black meets you with sound development, you will need patience and good piece placement more than tactics.
Results across 81,075 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | 35,390 | 41.9% |
| d6 | 17,282 | 43.4% |
| e6 | 11,673 | 42.6% |
| e5 | 3,287 | 45.4% |
| d5 | 2,877 | 43.3% |
| g6 | 2,661 | 46.0% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sicilian Defense: Myers Attack, with h4 good for White?
In this exact position, the results and engine verdict say it is not especially promising for White. Stockfish rates it -0.36, a small plus for Black, and the game results also favour Black overall. It is playable as a surprise choice, but you should not expect an easy opening advantage.
What is Black’s best move after 1.e4 c5 2.h4?
The engine’s best move is Nc6. The suggested follow-up is Nc6 Nc3 Nf6 Bb5, which shows Black developing naturally and keeping control of the position. In the drill, you should be ready for ordinary development rather than a forced tactical reaction.
What are the most common replies to this line?
The most-played continuations are Nc6, d6, e6, e5, d5, and g6. That is a useful clue: Black usually chooses a sensible Sicilian setup and does not need to overreact to h4. Your job as White is to make sure the early pawn move still has a purpose after that calm response.
What should I focus on when I train this opening?
Focus on development, king safety, and whether your kingside space gives you anything real. This line asks you to handle a slightly worse position without getting discouraged. The drill is best used to learn how to keep playing actively even when the opening does not give you an edge.
How many games feature the Sicilian Defense: Myers Attack, with h4?
Over 81K Lichess games have reached the Sicilian Defense: Myers Attack, with h4 position. White wins 43.0%, Black wins 53.4%, with 3.6% draws — based on real rated games.