Video narration
Here’s a quick way to spot the Sicilian Defense. White starts with 1.e4, moving the king’s pawn two squares to claim the center. Instead of replying with …e5, Black plays 1…c5: the c-pawn steps forward and attacks the d4 square from the side. That one move—…c5 after e4—is what makes it “Sicilian.” The basic idea is asymmetry: White has space in the center, Black fights it with a flank pawn and aims for counterplay. A common next step is 2.Nf3, and often 2…d6, preparing …Nf6 and …d5 later. On a board, look for the pawn on c5 facing White’s e4 pawn—an immediate diagonal battle over d4. Recognize that pattern, and you’ve recognized the Sicilian Defense.