Chess Opening · A20
English Reversed Sicilian
For sub-1000 ELO players
Against the English Reversed Sicilian (ECO A20), Black should play d5 early to challenge the center and avoid a passive position, entering the English Opening, Reversed Sicilian lines. Stockfish 17 at depth 25 gives White only a +0.3 edge, and sub-1000 players typically play d6 passively instead of the strong d5 break, or they ignore the g2 bishop's pressure on the long diagonal.
The Best Response
Moves to Play
White · Black alternating
1. c4 e52. Nc3 Nf63. g3 d5White opens with 1. c4 and Black responds with 1...e5, setting up the Reversed Sicilian structure. White develops the knight to c3 controlling d5, and Black plays 2...Nf6 developing a piece and supporting the d5 break. White prepares the fianchetto with 3. g3, and Black strikes immediately with 3...d5 to challenge the center before White completes the bishop development.
Who Stands Better
(slight advantage for White)
Copy these moves:
1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. Bg2 Be63 Mistakes Sub-1000 Players Make
These are the patterns we see in games below 1000 ELO. Fix these and you'll stop losing to this opening.
Not Playing d5 to Equalize
Beginners play d6 passively, missing the strong d5 central break. This allows White to fianchetto the bishop unopposed and build a grip on the center, leaving Black cramped and without counterplay.
cxd5Ignoring White's Fianchetto Pressure
Beginners do not contest the long diagonal after g3 and Bg2. The bishop on g2 targets d5 and pressures the entire queenside, and without active piece play, Black ends up in a passive bind.
Bg2Overextending With e4
Beginners push e4 early, thinking they are grabbing space. Instead, this creates a target pawn on e4 and weakens the d4 square, giving White a clear plan to exploit the overextension.
cxd5Why This Opening Trips You Up
The Core Problem
Sub-1000 players do not realize the English Reversed Sicilian gives White a tempo advantage over the normal Sicilian. They play as if they have the Sicilian Defense but end up a move behind, which makes all their standard plans too slow.
Before Your Next Game
As Black against 1. c4 e5, play d5 early to fight for the center. Do not let White fianchetto and dominate the long diagonal unchallenged. Think of it as a Sicilian where you need to act one move faster.
What to Study
Compare the Reversed Sicilian to the normal Sicilian Defense. Understanding the mirror structure helps you find the right plans for both sides. Focus on the d5 break as the key equalizing move for Black.
Engine-verified by Stockfish 17 at depth 25. Reviewed by Jon Stenstrom, Chess.com 759 Daily, Founder, 1000elo.com.
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