Sicilian Defense: Kotov Gambit
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Statistics from Lichess
561 games: White 56.5% / Draw 4.5% / Black 39.0%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 410410 | ||
| 121121 | ||
| 1111 | ||
| 44 | ||
| 44 | ||
| 33 | ||
| 22 | ||
| 11 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Nov 8, 2026
Engine evaluation
+1.88 White is clearly better
Best play: 4. Bxb5+ Bd7 5. Bxd7+ Nxd7 6. Qe2 Ngf6 7. O-O Qc7 8. b3 g6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Sicilian Defense: Kotov Gambit (ECO B50, Semi-Open Games) is a gambit in the Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations, reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. g3 b5 (3 moves).
In 561 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 56.5%, Black 39.0% and 4.5% were drawn. White's most played move here is 4. Bg2, in 73% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Sicilian Defense: Kotov Gambit
4. Bxb5+ scores best for White: 61.6%, with White winning 58.7% and Black 35.5% of 121 games. The most played answer, 4. Bg2, scores lowest: 58.8% in 410 games. Stockfish's first choice is also 4. Bxb5+.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: White's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Sicilian Defense: Kotov Gambit (B50)”. Lichess data as of 8 Nov 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/sicilian-defense-kotov-gambit