Closed Sicilian Defense: Grand Prix Schofman Variation
Closed Sicilian Defense
Definition
The Closed Sicilian Defense is a family of systems that arise after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3, when White deliberately keeps the central pawn tension closed (usually by refraining from an early d4-break) and instead aims for a kingside attacking set-up. Unlike the Open Sicilian (characterised by 2. Nf3 d6/…Nc6 and 3. d4), the Closed Sicilian leads to slower, manoeuvring battles rich in pawn-chain strategy and flanking attacks.
Typical Move Order
1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 (or 2…d6 / 2…e6) 3. g3 (or 3. f4 – see Grand Prix) 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 d6
Strategic Themes
- Kingside pawn storm: f2–f4, g2–g4 and sometimes h2–h4 to pry open Black’s f- and g-files.
- Dark-square domination: The Bg2 often looks at the d5-square; combined with a later f-pawn advance, White seeks to clamp the centre.
- Slow piece manoeuvres: Knights may reach g3–f5 or d5; rooks swing to the third rank (Rf1–f3–h3) in many attacking plans.
- Black’s counterplay: Standard breaks include …b5 (queenside space), …d5 (central liberation) and occasionally …f5 (counter-attack on the same wing).
Historical & Practical Significance
The Closed Sicilian has been a favourite of players who enjoy attacking chances without entering the labyrinth of Open Sicilian theory. Notable practitioners include Mikhail Tal, Nikolaï Krogius, and in modern times rapid-play specialists like Baadur Jobava.
Example Mini-Attack
Interesting Facts
- The setup was a surprise weapon for Mikhail Tal in his 1965 Candidates’ match versus Bent Larsen, yielding two wins in three tries.
- Because the structure often resembles the King’s Indian Attack reversed, some authors nickname it “KIA - with colors reversed.”
Grand Prix Attack (Closed Sicilian Branch)
Definition
The Grand Prix Attack (GPA) is a sharp sub-system of the Closed Sicilian in which White plays f2–f4 very early, normally via 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4. The plan is to seize space on the kingside, generate rapid piece activity, and launch a mating assault before Black’s queenside counterplay becomes dangerous.
Typical Move Order
1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 (2…d6 / 2…e6 are also playable) 3. f4 g6 (3…e6 leads to the Schofman Variation) 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bc4 e6 (or 5…d6) 6. d3 Nge7
Strategic Themes
- Rapid kingside initiative: Typical sacrifices on f5, g6, or h7 (after Bc4–xe6 or Qe1–h4) mirror ideas from the Vienna Gambit and King’s Gambit.
- Critical dark-square control: White’s Bc4 eyes the f7-square; the queen often swings to e1-h4.
- Black’s remedies:
- …g6/Bg7 setups transpose to a Dragon-like structure where …d6 and …e6 blunt Bc4.
- …e6 systems (Schofman) aim for …d5, challenging White’s centre before the attack rolls.
Historical Notes
The opening flourished in 1980s British weekend “Grand Prix” tournaments— hence the name—where aggressive players such as John Nunn, Julian Hodgson, and Miles racked up quick wins against club-level Sicilians. Gawain Jones, author of an influential modern repertoire book, revived its reputation in the 2010s.
Illustrative Game
Gawain Jones – Laurent Fressinet, London Chess Classic Rapid 2013
Fun Fact
The GPA can arise from 1. f4 (Bird’s Opening) if Black replies 1…e5 2. e4 c5, essentially “transposing backwards.” Creative hustlers in blitz often exploit this move-order trick.
Schofman Variation (Grand Prix Attack)
Definition
The Schofman Variation is a specific antidote to the Grand Prix Attack defined by the early pawn thrust …e6, challenging White’s dark-squared bishop and preparing …d5. The canonical move sequence is:
1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 e6 (Schofman Variation) 4. Nf3 d5!
Black immediately strikes in the centre, intending to exchange pawns, equalise space, and blunt White’s attacking prospects.
Strategic Ideas
- Central Counterpunch: By playing …d5 in one go, Black hopes for positions resembling a French Defence with an extra tempo.
- Piece Activity over Structure: Even if Black concedes the bishop pair, the freeing pawn break grants quick development and open lines for the minor pieces.
- Key Tactics: After 5. exd5 exd5 6. Bb5 (pin) Black has the resource 6…Nf6 7. O-O Be7 8. d4 O-O, when the central majority offers sound play.
Origins & Naming
The line is named after Israeli IM Ram Schofman, who employed it successfully in the late 1970s. His games demonstrated that an early …e6/…d5 neutralises many of White’s thematic sacrifices.
Model Fragment
Practical Tips
- Do not fear 4. exd5 exd5 5. Nf3 – Black’s minor-piece development is easy and the d5-pawn rarely becomes weak.
- If White delays Nf3 (e.g. 4. Bb5), the reply 4…Nd4! creates immediate tactical threats against b5 and c2.
- Endgame prospects are excellent for Black; the IQP (isolated queen’s pawn) positions that sometimes arise favour the better-developed side.
Interesting Anecdote
During the 1982 Israeli Championship, Schofman stunned several attacking players by recycling their own prep against them: he invited the GPA on move three, whipped out …e6/…d5, and scored 3½/4 with Black—popularising the variation worldwide.