Lowenthal Sicilian

In the Lowenthal variation, Black plays Nc6 and e5. This leads to a fairly tactical opening from quite early on. Black allows a “hole” on d6, and in some variations White will play Nb5 and Nd6+ which is met by Bxd6.

Diagram: Sicilian Lowenthal Defence

The Lowenthal variation is somewhat similar to the Pelikan Sicilian. In the Pelikan, Black plays “e5” a move later, after having first played Nf6.

Other Sicilian Lines

Other main line “open” Sicilian Defence variations include:

• Dragon Sicilian
• Scheveningen Sicilian
• Taimanov Sicilian
• Pelikan Sicilian
• Kan Sicilian