Sicilian Defence: 2.Nf3 d6 3.b3
Sicilian Defence: 2.Nf3 d6 3.b3
Definition
The sequence 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.b3 is a rare sideline of the Sicilian Defence in which White forgoes the customary 3.d4 in favor of an immediate queenside fianchetto. The line is sometimes catalogued as the Nimzo-Larsen Attack Deferred or Snyder/Katalymov Variation of the Sicilian. By preparing 4.Bb2, White aims to exert long-range pressure on the e5-square and the c3–g7 diagonal while avoiding the heavy theory of Open Sicilian main lines.
Typical Move Order
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.b3 (other common Black replies are 3…Nf6, 3…a6, or 3…e6). White usually follows with 4.Bb2, castle kingside, and decide later whether to strike in the center with c3 & d4 or e4-e5.
Strategic Ideas
- Long diagonal pressure: The fianchettoed bishop on b2 eyes g7 and often influences Black’s ability to play …g6 or …e5.
- Flexible center: By delaying d2-d4, White keeps pawn structures fluid, sometimes switching to a King’s Indian Attack setup with d3 and Nbd2.
- Reduced theory: Because the line is uncommon, Black players accustomed to Najdorf, Dragon, or Scheveningen main lines must think for themselves early.
- Risk–reward balance: White concedes space compared to the Open Sicilian. If Black equalizes smoothly, the bishop on b2 can prove passive against a solid pawn chain (e6-d5-c4 structures).
Typical Plans for Each Side
- White
- 4.Bb2, 5.g3, 6.Bg2 and kingside castling.
- Central break with c3 & d4 or e4-e5 depending on Black’s setup.
- Piece pressure on the c-file after Rc1, Qc2, and possibly d4.
- Black
- Occupy the center with …e5 or …e6 & …d5, limiting Bb2’s scope.
- Quick development: …Nf6, …g6, …Bg7 (Dragon-style) is common.
- Pawn storms on the queenside (…a6, …b5) if White delays c2-c3.
Historical & Notable Games
Although rare at elite level, the line has appeared in tournament play:
- Bent Larsen – Pal Benko, Amsterdam Interzonal 1964
Larsen employed 3.b3 to sidestep Benko’s deep Najdorf preparation and scored a smooth positional win. - Magnus Carlsen – Vishy Anand, Blitz World Ch. 2017
Carlsen used the move as a blitz surprise, eventually transposing to a King’s Indian Attack structure and winning in 46 moves.
Short illustrative miniature:
Usage in Modern Practice
Today 3.b3 is primarily a surprise weapon:
- Rapid & Blitz: Top players (Carlsen, Nakamura) adopt it to avoid opponents’ computer preparation.
- Club Level: Favored by players who enjoy system openings and positional maneuvering over sharp theoretical battles.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The idea of an early b2-bishop in the Sicilian was popularized by GM Ken Smith in the 1970s; some American sources still label it the Smith Variation.
- Grandmaster Gennady Katalymov used 3.b3 so persistently that Soviet analysts nicknamed it the “Katalymov System,” though it never entered mainstream opening manuals.
- Because the move strikes experienced Sicilian players as “anti-positional,” strong opponents sometimes over-extend trying to refute it, giving White practical chances.
Sample Repertoire Tip
After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.b3 a6 4.Bb2 Nf6 5.e5 dxe5 6.Nxe5, the simple 6…e6!? followed by 7…Be7 offers Black a solid path. White players should be ready to regroup the knight to f3 and maintain pressure on the long diagonal.
Related Concepts
- Sicilian Defence main lines
- Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1.b3)
- King’s Indian Attack structures (when White plays d3, Nbd2, Re1, Nf1, Ne3/g3, Bg2)