"Departing from the common Sicilian Defense (f5), this line chooses Qa5. It succeeds by accepting a slightly lower evaluation to surprise the opponent. This move adds pressure to the position."
The move Qa5 signals the Sicilian Defense: Mongoose Variation, steering the game into independent territory.
Trajectory: In the resulting middlegame, players must focus on how to control the key diagonals to exert long-term pressure. Plans should focus on how to control the long diagonal to exert lasting pressure and develop rapidly.
Structure: The board features a Fianchetto. With a draw rate of 23%, the position is dynamic. Engines evaluate it at -0.42.
Also known as: Sicilian: Mongoose Variation, Mongoose Variation, Sicilian, Sicilian: Stiletto (Althouse) variation
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