Sicilian: Grand Prix Attack 3...g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bb5 Nd4

Sicilian Defense: Closed Variation

Definition

The Closed Sicilian is a family of positions in the Sicilian Defense that begin with the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 (or 2. Nf3 followed by 3. Nc3) in which White deliberately avoids the open central struggle of 3. d4. Instead, White builds a slower kingside-oriented structure, usually involving g2–g3 and Bf1–g2, aiming for a pawn storm against Black’s king.

Typical Move Orders

Two common sequences illustrate the Closed Sicilian “look and feel”:

• 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 d6
• 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 d6 3. f4 (Grand Prix style) 3…Nc6 4. Nf3 g6

Strategic Themes

• Kingside assault. White often plays f2–f4, g2–g4, and h2–h4 with ideas of Bh3, h4–h5, and mating nets.
• Dark-square control. The fianchettoed bishop on g2 eyes the central dark squares d5 and e4.
• Slow central play. Because d2–d4 is postponed, the position remains semi-closed, giving both sides time for maneuvering.
• Black’s counterplay. A typical plan is …e6 & …d5 to strike in the center, or …b5 & …b4 to undermine White’s queenside.

Historical Significance

The Closed Sicilian flourished in the 1960s when players such as Boris Spassky and Bent Larsen scored spectacular wins with kingside pawn storms. Its reputation suffered after World Champions Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov demonstrated strong central counterplay for Black, but it remains a practical weapon, particularly in rapid and blitz.

Illustrative Game

Spassky vs. Fischer, Mar del Plata 1960 (1–0) is a classic example. Spassky’s pawn storm with f4–f5 and g4–g5 overwhelmed Fischer’s Sicilian Dragon setup.

White sacrificed a pawn for open lines toward Black’s king and never looked back.

Interesting Facts

• The ECO codes B23–B26 cover most Closed Sicilian positions.
• Club players favor this variation because it avoids the vast Open Sicilian theory while retaining attacking chances.
• Modern engines rate the Closed Sicilian slightly in Black’s favor, yet practical results are roughly balanced.

Grand Prix Attack

Definition

The Grand Prix Attack (GPA) is an aggressive anti-Sicilian setup starting with 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 followed by 3. f4. The name pays homage to British weekend “Grand Prix” tournaments of the 1980s, where the line gained popularity.

Canonical Move Order

The archetypal sequence is:

1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4

Strategic Ideas for White

1. Rapid kingside attack. Moves like Bc4, Qf3, and 0-0-0 coordinate for f-pawn sacrifices (f4–f5).
2. Control e5. By playing f4 and Nc3, White often plants a knight on e4 and a pawn on f5, stifling Black’s development.
3. Reduced theory. Compared with the Open Sicilian, the GPA relies more on patterns than memorization.

Plans for Black

• …e6 & …d5 strike. Exploits the slightly weakened white center.
• Fianchetto with …g6. Aims for Dragon-like counterplay on the long diagonal (our third entry focuses on this).
• Early …a6 & …b5. Queenside expansion can distract White from kingside ambitions.

Historical & Modern Practitioners

Julian Hodgson and Joe Gallagher popularized the GPA, while Gawain Jones uses it today. Magnus Carlsen has wheeled it out in blitz, demonstrating its surprise value even at the highest level.

Illustrative Game

Jones vs. Wojtaszek, European Team Ch. 2013: White’s thematic Bc4, Qe1–h4, f5 plan led to a decisive attack.

Anecdote

The GPA once scored a 31-move miniature against Garry Kasparov in a 1985 simultaneous exhibition—an early sign that even Champions can suffer if they underestimate its venom.

Grand Prix Attack: 3…g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bb5 Nd4

Definition

This concrete sub-variation (ECO B23) arises after:

1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bb5 Nd4

Black counters White’s Bb5 pin with an immediate knight thrust to d4, challenging the bishop and seizing central squares.

Key Position after 5…Nd4

Strategic Ideas

• Black’s concept. The knight on d4 attacks both c2 and b5, forcing clarification. After 6. O-O Nxb5 7. Nxb5, Black has exchanged White’s key dark-square bishop and reduced attacking chances.
• White’s resources. Alternatives like 6. Bc4 or 6. a4 try to retain attacking potential or exploit the d5 square.
• Pace versus structure. White keeps more pieces on the board but must accept doubled b-pawns or loss of the dark-square bishop, whereas Black gains a solid setup for eventual …d6, …e6, and central breaks.

Theory Snapshot

1. 6. O-O Nxb5 7. Nxb5 d5! leads to a balanced game; engines give ≈0.00.
2. 6. a4 a6 7. Bc4 e6 8. O-O Ne7 offers both sides rich chances.
3. 6. e5!? trying to clamp d6 can transpose to a French-type structure where White’s light-square bishop is passive.

Notable Games

• Short – Mamedyarov, Dubai Blitz 2014: Short uncorked 6.Bc4 and won after sacrifices on f7.
• Carlsen – Morozevich, Tal Memorial Blitz 2012: Carlsen played the main line 6.O-O and demonstrated that the resulting middlegame is playable for White.

Practical Tips

• White should decide quickly whether to castle or maintain the pin with Bc4; hesitation lets Black equalize.
• Black players must know when to play …d5; premature breaks can leave e6 weak.
• The line is popular in rapid formats because precise knowledge of move-order tricks (e.g., 6.Nxd4!?) often decides the game.

Fun Fact

IM Timothy Taylor, author of “Slaying the Sicilian,” calls 5…Nd4 the “Buzz-Saw” variation because it slices off White’s dark-square bishop—the engine of many GPA attacks.