Sicilian: Closed, Grand Prix, 3...d6
Sicilian: Closed
Definition
The Closed Sicilian is a family of systems that arise after 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3, with White declining the immediate central break 3. d4. Instead, White builds up slowly—often with g3, Bg2, and f4—aiming for a kingside attack while keeping the center relatively stable. Because the d-pawn stays on d2 for several moves, the game remains “closed” longer than in the Open Sicilian, where 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 opens the position early.
Typical Move Order
One of the most common paths is:
- 1. e4 c5
- 2. Nc3 Nc6 (or 2…d6)
- 3. g3 g6
- 4. Bg2 Bg7
- 5. d3 e6
- 6. Be3 Nge7, followed by Qd2, 0-0-0, and a pawn storm with f4, g4, h4.
Strategic Ideas
- White keeps the pawn on d4 in reserve, reserving the option to break later with d4 or f4.
- Black aims for …e6 and …Nge7 or a …g6/…Bg7 setup, trying to blunt White’s bishops and counter in the center with …d5.
- The structure often resembles a reversed Closed English, meaning English-opening specialists can transfer much of their knowledge.
Historical Notes
The line gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s with players such as Bent Larsen and Boris Spassky. It has never been the main battlefield at elite level, but it remains a solid, positionally rich alternative that avoids the ocean of Open-Sicilian theory.
Illustrative Game
This 1992 simul game by Garry Kasparov showcases a typical kingside pawn storm: Kasparov–Anonymous Simul, Moscow 1992.
Interesting Facts
- Because Black’s …d5 break is so thematic, Emanuel Lasker supposedly quipped that “every Black Sicilian player dreams of …d5” when facing the Closed system.
- Many club players adopt the Closed Sicilian specifically to avoid the labyrinthine Najdorf and Dragon variations.
Sicilian: Grand Prix Attack
Definition
The Grand Prix Attack (GPA) is an aggressive anti-Sicilian weapon beginning 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 (or 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3) followed by 3. f4. White immediately contests the light-squares and prepares a rapid kingside offensive with Bc4, Qe1–h4, and potentially f5.
Typical Move Order
Main line:
- 1. e4 c5
- 2. Nc3 Nc6
- 3. f4 g6 (or 3…e6)
- 4. Nf3 Bg7
- 5. Bc4 e6
- 6. d3 Nge7, when White can castle short, play Qe1, Qh4, and push f5.
Strategic Themes
- Light-square control: By placing a pawn on f4 and bishop on c4, White clamps down on d5 and f7.
- Rapid attack: Typical sacrifices on f5 or e6 open lines toward Black’s king.
- Center tension: Black seeks counterplay with …d5 or …b5–b4, undermining White’s bishop.
Historical Significance
The name “Grand Prix” traces to the 1970s London Grand Prix series, where many English masters—John Nunn, Bill Hartston, Tony Miles—deployed the line. It surged in popularity again in the 1990s thanks to British GM Mark Hebden and later was adopted dart-like by Hikaru Nakamura in online blitz.
Illustrative Games
- Kasparov – Short, Skellefteå 1989: Kasparov unleashed a model kingside attack, culminating in a rook lift Rh3-h7.
- Nakamura – Caruana, Saint Louis Blitz 2014: A rapid crush featuring the thematic sacrifice Bxf7+.
Example Position
After 17. fxe6, White’s pieces swarm the kingside while Black’s queen’s knight is “on holiday” on b3.
Interesting Facts
- The GPA is so direct that the engines often show “0.00” for a long time—until the attack lands and the evaluation spikes.
- World Champion Magnus Carlsen has used the Grand Prix in simultaneous exhibitions, praising its “easy‐to-remember attacking patterns.”
Sicilian: 3…d6 (Early …d6 Set-Up)
Definition
In many Sicilian branches, Black chooses an early …d6—specifically on move three—to adopt a Scheveningen or Najdorf-type structure. The most common occurrence is:
- 1. e4 c5
- 2. Nf3 Nc6
- 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 d6
By postponing …d6 until move three, Black retains flexibility: the knight is already on c6, so both …e6 (Scheveningen) and …a6 (Najdorf ideas) remain on the table.
Strategic Purpose
- King safety: …d6 solidifies the e5-square and prepares …Nf6 followed by …g6 or …e6.
- Flexible pawn breaks: Black can later choose …e5 (Classical) or …e6 (Scheveningen) depending on White’s setup.
- Dark-square grip: The d6-pawn restrains a future White knight jump to e5 and supports a …d5 counterstrike.
Typical Continuations
After the diagrammed move order above, play often continues:
- 5. Nc3 Nf6
- 6. Bg5 e6 (into a Scheveningen with the bishop already on g5), or
- 6. Be2 e5 (Classical), or
- 6. f3 e5 7. Nb3 Be6 (Sozin-Scheveningen hybrid).
Historical Anecdote
Bobby Fischer’s favorite reply to 1. e4 was the Najdorf, reached via 3…a6 rather than 3…d6. But in his 1972 World Championship match against Boris Spassky, Fischer employed both 3…d6 and 3…Nc6 move orders to keep his opponent guessing.
Illustrative Game
Spassky – Fischer, Reykjavík 1972 (Game 6). Fischer equalized comfortably out of the opening with 3…d6, although Spassky ultimately won the game with brilliant endgame play.
Interesting Facts
- The move 3…d6 can transpose to the Najdorf if followed later by …a6, blurring the strict categorical lines found in opening manuals.
- Modern theory shows that delaying …d6 (e.g., choosing 3…e6 instead) allows White the aggressive 4. Nb5!?, so many top players still favor the immediate 3…d6 to rule out that option.
- In blitz chess, 3…d6 is beloved for its simplicity—Black can operate on “schematic autopilot” using well-known piece placements around the d6-pawn.