Sicilian: Closed, Grand Prix, 3...g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bc4 e6
Sicilian: Closed
Definition
The Closed Sicilian is a family of systems that begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3. White sidesteps the open central confrontation (2.Nf3 followed by d4) and instead builds up slowly, usually with g3 and Bg2, creating a “closed” pawn structure. The adjective “closed” points to the restrained central tension and the maneuvering nature of positions that result.
Typical Move-Orders
Two of the most common paths are:
- 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 d6, the Double Fianchetto line.
- 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 e6 3.g3 d5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bg2 Nf6, where Black aims for French-like structures.
Because neither side commits the d-pawn early, move-order subtleties abound—one of the charms of the Closed Sicilian.
Strategic Themes
- Slow kingside build-up: f4, Nf3, O-O, and occasionally g4 break.
- Dark-square control: White’s Bg2 and pawn on e4 bear down on d5.
- Black’s counterplay: Queenside pawn storm with …b5, …b4, and pressure on the c-file.
- Pawn breaks: White strives for f4-f5 or sometimes d4; Black seeks …d5 or …b5.
Historical & Practical Significance
The Closed Sicilian was a favorite of Boris Spassky in his World Championship years, and more recently Ian Nepomniachtchi and Baadur Jobava have used it as a surprise weapon. Its relative theoretical lightness compared to Open Sicilians makes it popular at club level.
Illustrative Example
Spassky–Larsen, Belgrade 1970: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 d6 6.Be3 e5 7.Qd2 Nge7 8.Bh6 Bxh6 9.Qxh6 Be6 10.Nge2 … Spassky slowly built up before launching a kingside pawn storm that culminated in a picturesque mating net.
Interesting Facts
- The opening appeals to players who enjoy positions similar to the King’s Indian Attack but crave first-move initiative.
- The move 2.Nc3 was once considered “quiet,” yet modern engines show many tactical resources hidden under the positional veneer.
- In 2019 Chess.com’s opening database recorded more than 60,000 master games with the Closed Sicilian—proof that “closed” does not mean “obsolete.”
Grand Prix Attack (Sicilian: Grand Prix)
Definition
The Grand Prix Attack is an ambitious anti-Sicilian setup characterized by an early f-pawn thrust: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 (or 2.Nf3) 2…Nc6 3.f4. White aims for a swift kingside initiative reminiscent of the Vienna Gambit or the King’s Gambit, but transplanted into Sicilian territory.
Origins & Name
The system gained popularity on the British weekend-tournament circuit—the “Grand Prix” series—during the 1980s. Players such as Mark Hebden, Julian Hodgson, and Joe Gallagher racked up points with direct attacking play, giving the opening its catchy moniker.
Typical Scheme
- 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bb5 (or Bc4) and 6.O-O.
- White castles quickly, parks a bishop on c4 or b5, and prepares f4-f5 or Qe1-h4.
- Black often counters with …e6, …Nge7, and …d5, or the modern …g6/…Bg7 Dragon-like setup.
Strategic Themes
- Kingside pawn storm: f4-f5, g2-g4-g5, sometimes h-pawn lifts.
- Piece sacrifices: The thematic Bxf7+ or Ng5 tactics often appear.
- Black’s antidotes: Timely …d5 center break or trading light-squared bishops via …Bxc3 followed by …d4.
Notable Games
Gallagher–Sax, Reykjavík 1988 is a textbook crush: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bb5 Nd4 6.O-O e6 7.e5! and the attack snowballed after 7…Nxb5? 8.Nxb5.
Interesting Tidbits
- Computers long frowned on the Grand Prix, but neural-network engines (2020-) have rehabilitated many of its lines.
- Because it can begin 2.Nc3 or 2.Nf3, the Grand Prix is a move-order chameleon—handy for avoiding a well-prepared opponent.
- In blitz and rapid chess, its straightforward attacking scheme scores disproportionately well, as shown in .
Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bc4 e6
Definition & Placement in Opening Theory
This variation is a specific branch of the Grand Prix Attack. After 3…g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 Black chooses 5…e6, adopting a Scheveningen-style center to blunt White’s attacking bishop on c4 and prepare …Nge7, …d5, or …Nge7-d4 breakouts.
Key Position After 5…e6
Diagram after 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bc4 e6:
Strategic Ideas
- White’s plan
- Rapid development: d3, O-O, Qe1-h4 hitting h7.
- Breaks: f4-f5 or sometimes e4-e5 if Black plays …d6.
- Use of the c4 bishop: eyes the f7 square and deters …d5.
- Black’s plan
- …Nge7 and …d5 to seize the center and liberate the dark-squared bishop.
- …Nge7-d4 leap, targeting c2 and f3.
- Premature …b5 can be risky but is a thematic counterstrike.
Theoretical Assessment
Modern theory regards 5…e6 as one of Black’s most solid antidotes to the Grand Prix. Engines give roughly equal chances (<≈ 0.25 on depth 40) provided Black achieves …d5 in reasonable time.
Illustrative Game
Carlsen – Radjabov, Norway Chess Blitz 2019:
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bc4 e6 6.f5!? gxf5 7.d3 Nge7 8.O-O d5 9.exd5 exd5 10.Bb3 O-O … Despite Carlsen’s pawn sacrifice, Radjabov’s central strike equalized, highlighting Black’s strategic goal.
Typical Tactics to Watch
- Bxf7+ sacrifice: If Black delays castling or misplaces the king, Bxf7+ can tear open f- and e-files.
- e4-e5 break: Opens the diagonal for Bc4 and activates the queen rook via e-file.
- …d5 counter: The central pawn thrust requires precise calculation; ill-timed …d5 can drop a pawn to exd5 exd5 Nxd5.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The line is sometimes called the “Paulsen Grand Prix” because Black’s setup with …e6 resembles the classical Paulsen–Scheveningen hybrids.
- Club players often misplay 6.e5? thinking it gains space; engines show it concedes the d5 break and leaves the e5 pawn weak.
- On Chess.com’s master database (June 2023), 5…e6 scores 55 % for Black—higher than the more popular 5…d6 line.