Sicilian Defense: Mongoose Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
33,096 games: White 55.2% / Draw 3.8% / Black 40.9%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 17,53118K | ||
| 6,5036,503 | ||
| 4,8284,828 | ||
| 2,0762,076 | ||
| 481481 | ||
| 383383 | ||
| 380380 | ||
| 214214 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 31, 2026
Engine evaluation
+0.94 White is better
Best play: 3. Nc3 a6 4. d4 Nf6 5. Bd2 cxd4 6. Nxd4 Nc6 7. Nb3 Qc7
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Sicilian Defense: Mongoose Variation (ECO B27, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Qa5 (2 moves).
In 33,096 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 55.2%, Black 40.9% and 3.8% were drawn. White's most played move here is 3. Nc3, in 53% 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: Mongoose Variation
3. Be2 scores best for White: 58.9%, with White winning 56.9% and Black 39.1% of 2,076 games. The most played, 3. Nc3, scores 57.5% in 18K games, and 3. c3 scores lowest: 56.7%. Stockfish's first choice is 3. Nc3.
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: Mongoose Variation (B27)”. Lichess data as of 31 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/sicilian-defense-mongoose-variation