Sicilian: 2.Nf3 d6 3.g3 – Fianchetto Variation
Sicilian: 2.Nf3 d6 3.g3
Definition
After 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6, the quiet-looking 3. g3 steers the game into the Fianchetto (or “Missionary”) Variation of the Sicilian Defence (ECO codes B50–B51). Instead of the customary 3. d4 that opens the position, White plans to place the king’s bishop on g2, adopting a set-up more reminiscent of the King’s Indian Attack or certain English/Closed Sicilian structures.
Typical Move-Order & Initial Position
The key starting diagram can be reached with the mini-PGN below:
• Pawns: White has a pawn on e4 controlling the centre, while the pawn on g3 prepares
a long-range influence along the h1–a8 diagonal.
• Pieces: The knight on f3 eyes d4 and e5; the bishop will soon arrive on g2.
Strategic Aims
- White
- Control the light squares (e4, d5, c6, b7).
- Delay d2-d4, keeping a flexible centre that can be supported by c2-c3 or d2-d3.
- Launch a kingside pawn storm with f2-f4-f5 in some lines.
- Avoid the maze of sharp Open-Sicilian theory.
- Black
- Occupy the centre with …e5, …Nc6, and sometimes …f5.
- Generate counterplay on the queenside with …b5, …a5, or a timely …d5 break.
- Exploit the slightly slower development of the white queen’s knight.
Main Defensive Set-ups for Black
- Dragon-style: …g6, …Bg7, …Nc6, transposing to a Fianchetto Dragon.
- Najdorf-style: …a6 followed by …Nc6 or …e6, meeting Bg2 with …g6 only later.
- Classical Scheveningen: …e6 & …Nf6, keeping the pawn chain d6–e6 solid.
Historical Notes
• The earliest known game with 3. g3 was H. Bird – J. Gunsberg, London 1889.
• World Champion Alexander Alekhine trotted it out in simultaneous exhibitions during the 1930s, calling it “an excellent practical weapon.”
• Boris Gelfand revived the line in the 1990s, scoring several model victories and placing it firmly on the modern repertoire map.
• Today it is championed by Michael Adams, Teimour Radjabov and occasionally by Magnus Carlsen when he seeks to sidestep heavy theory.
Illustrative Games
Game 1: Boris Gelfand – Veselin Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1996
Gelfand demonstrated how central breaks with d4–d5 can completely unbalance what first looks like a slow position.
Game 2: Fabiano Caruana – Peter Svidler, Candidates 2016
Caruana calmly expanded on the queenside and exploited the backward d6-pawn in a long endgame grind.
Benefits & Drawbacks at a Glance
- Pros for White
- Sidesteps razor-sharp Najdorf, Dragon, and Sveshnikov theory.
- Creates long-term pressure on the long diagonal.
- Leads to rich, manoeuvring positions suited to strategically minded players.
- Cons for White
- Black can equalise comfortably with accurate play.
- White’s d-pawn can become a target after a belated d2-d4.
- Less forcing than 3. d4, so it may be harder to play for a win against well-prepared opponents.
Practical Tips
- Be ready to transpose: after …g6 White can choose between a Yugoslav-style set-up (f2-f4) or a more restrained d2-d3, c2-c3 plan.
- Study model endings—many games reach queenless middlegames where the bishop on g2 shines.
- Watch out for early …d5 from Black; if it comes before White castles, e-pawn tactics (exd5 Qe7+) can appear.
- Don’t forget the b2-pawn: after …Qb6 (a common reply) the immediate 4. d4!? and/or 5. Nc3 usually covers the diagonal.
Interesting Facts
- The nickname “Missionary” supposedly arose when an English missionary in India taught local players this line as a safe, positional response to the fiery Sicilian.
- The move 3. g3 can transpose to a King’s Indian Attack if White follows up with d3, Nbd2, and Re1.
- The variation is one of the very few ways to reach a true “Double Fianchetto Sicilian”, with both sides’ bishops occupying their long diagonals.
Further Study
• Survey article: “The Fianchetto Sicilian” by GM Boris Avrukh, Chess Informant 110.
• Video series: “Play the Sicilian with g3!” by GM Simon Williams.
• Database filter: ECO codes B50–B51, move order 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.g3.