Sicilian Nimzowitsch Variation, Closed Variation
Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation
Definition
The Nimzowitsch Variation of the Sicilian Defense arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6. Black immediately attacks the e4-pawn with the knight instead of playing the more common 2…d6 or 2…e6. It is catalogued in ECO codes B29–B30.
Typical Move Order
The main branching point occurs on move 3:
- 3. Nc3 — the flexible response. After 3…d5 4. exd5 Nxd5 play often transposes into Scandinavian-type structures.
- 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nc3 — the main line, driving the knight to d5 and gaining space.
- 3. d4 cxd4 4. e5 — a sharper attempt where White sacrifices a pawn’s momentum for quick development.
Strategic Themes
- Early central tension: By attacking e4 straight away, Black invites White to overextend or to create pawn weaknesses (e.g., after e5 Nd5).
- Fluid pawn structure: Unlike many Sicilians, …d6 is often delayed or omitted; Black may instead adopt a Scandinavian– or French-like center with …d5.
- Piece play over theory: Because the variation is less theoretical than the Najdorf or Dragon, both sides must rely on general principles and creativity.
Historical Notes
Named after the Latvian-Danish grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch, who used the line in the 1920s as part of his broader advocacy for hypermodern principles—provoking opponents to build a classical center and then undermining it.
Although never a mainstream weapon at elite level, the variation has been tried by notable grandmasters such as Bent Larsen, Viktor Kortchnoi, and more recently by Alexander Grischuk as a surprise choice in rapid events.
Illustrative Mini-Game
A crisp example of Black’s dynamic potential:
After 10…Bxd6 Black has recovered the pawn and enjoys quick development, while White’s queen has lost time.
Interesting Facts
- Because 2…Nf6 dodges mainline Sicilian theory, it is popular in correspondence and online blitz, where surprise value is high.
- Some databases label the line “Nimzo-Indian Sicilian” because Black’s light-squared bishop often emerges to b4, mimicking Nimzo-Indian motifs against White’s queen-side.
- In the 2015 Russian Championship Super-final, Grischuk defeated Jakovenko with the Nimzowitsch, reviving interest in the line at top level.
Closed Variation (Closed Sicilian)
Definition
The Closed Variation of the Sicilian Defense—commonly called the Closed Sicilian—is characterized by White refraining from an early d4 advance. The archetypal move order is 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 (avoiding 2. Nf3) …Nc6 3. g3, leading to a slow, maneuvering game instead of the open tactical struggles typical of mainline Sicilians.
Standard Move Orders
Common sequences include:
- 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 d6
- 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 d6 3. f4 — the Grand-Prix Attack, a sub-variation of the Closed Sicilian often classified separately.
Strategic Ideas
- Kingside build-up: White usually castles short, places a knight on f3 (sometimes e2), and advances f2-f4–f5 to spearhead an attack against Black’s king.
- Control of d5: Because White’s d-pawn stays on d3 for many moves, the d5-square becomes an outpost for queenside knights.
- Pawn structure: The c-file often remains closed for a long time, leading to slow, strategic maneuvering reminiscent of a King’s Indian Attack played with colors reversed.
Historical Significance
The Closed Sicilian gained prominence in the 1960s when Mikhail Tal and Boris Spassky used it to sidestep the enormous amount of Najdorf theory. In modern times it remains a favorite in rapid and blitz play, and has been adopted by Magnus Carlsen when he seeks an unbalanced but less theoretical fight.
Illustrative Game
Spassky’s classic kingside storm:
Spassky – Geller, Candidates 1968
White’s restrained opening blossomed into a furious kingside offensive, culminating in a queen sacrifice that left Black helpless.
Interesting Facts
- Kasparov’s surprise: In the World Championship match Kasparov – Karpov (Seville 1987, game 23), Kasparov used a Closed Sicilian setup to score a crucial win, demonstrating its value even at the highest level.
- The Closed Sicilian is one of the few e-pawn openings where White often fianchettoes both bishops, echoing Réti and English Opening ideas.
- Because the opening avoids early exchanges, it is a favorite in handicap time-odds games—strong players can “out-maneuver” opponents without inviting forced drawing lines.