Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Wing Gambit
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Statistics from Lichess
30,732 games: White 49.1% / Draw 4.5% / Black 46.4%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 20,76121K | ||
| 4,5894,589 | ||
| 2,6702,670 | ||
| 1,1361,136 | ||
| 489489 | ||
| 432432 | ||
| 232232 | ||
| 143143 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 23, 2026
Engine evaluation
−0.21 The position is about equal
Best play: 3... cxb4 4. d4 e6 5. a3 d5 6. e5 bxa3 7. c3 Bd7 8. Nxa3
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, Wing Gambit (ECO B28, Semi-Open Games) is a gambit in the Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation, reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 a6 3. b4 (3 moves).
In 30,732 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 49.1%, Black 46.4% and 4.5% were drawn. Black's most played move here is 3…cxb4, in 68% 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: O'Kelly Variation, Wing Gambit
The most played answer, 3…cxb4, also scores best for Black: 50.4%, with Black winning 48.1% and White 47.3% of 21K games. Of the main answers, 3…e6 scores lowest: 42.3%. Stockfish's first choice is also 3…cxb4.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: Black'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: O'Kelly Variation, Wing Gambit (B28)”. Lichess data as of 23 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/sicilian-defense-okelly-variation-wing-gambit