Sicilian defense: Franco-Sicilian variation

 The Sicilian Defense, starting with 1. e4 c5, is one of the most popular and aggressive chess openings. 

1. e4 c5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. d4 e6  Franco-Sicilian variation

4. d5 Na5

5. d6 Nc6

6. a4 b6

7. e5 Bb7

8. Nc3 g6

9. Nb5 Rc8

10. Bd3 a6

In this French Sicilian variation, Black appears trapped behind while White has the initiative, the center, and should apply pressure.

If 

1. e4 c5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. d4 e6  Franco-Sicilian variation

4. d5 Nd4

5. Nxd4 cxd4

6. Qxd4 Qb6

7. Qxb6 axb6

8. Nc3 Bb4

9. Bd2 d6

10. dxe6 fxe6

White can castle queenside, while Black has a very weak pawn structure.

If

1. e4 c5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. d4 e6  Franco-Sicilian variation

4. d5 exd5

5. exd5 Nd4

6. Nxd4 cxd4

7. Qxd4 Nf6

8. Bd3 Bd6

9. 0-0 0-0

10. Na3 Re8

In this position, White has a positional advantage and needs to simplify the game and win in the endgame.

If

1. e4 c5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. d4 e6  Franco-Sicilian variation

4. d5 Nb8

5. d6 Nc6

6. Nc3 a6

7. a4 h6

8. e5 g5

9. g4 Bg7

10. h4 Nxe5

11. hxg5 Nxg4

12. Qd3 Qb6

13. a5 Qb6

14. Rh4 h5

This is a very complex position, and any wrong move could cost White the game, making it suitable for advanced players.

If

1. e4 c5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. d4 e6  Franco-Sicilian variation

4. d5 Nd4

5. Nxd4 cxd4

6. Qxd4 d6

7. dxe6 fxe6

8. Nc3 Nf6

9. Be3 Be7

10. 0-0-0 0-0

In this variation, White completely dominates the center and pressures Black into a mistake.