Sicilian Defense: Closed

1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.

1... c5
A counter-attacking opening. The asymmetry generally leads to sharp games.

2. Nc3
Developing the knight while protecting e4 and controlling d5.

2... Nc6
Preparing for a flexible setup, allowing Black to choose between the Scheveningen, Taimanov, or Accelerated Dragon setups depending on White's response.

• 2... d6: Setting up for a traditional Sicilian Defense, potentially leading to a Scheveningen or Najdorf setup.
• 2... e6: Aiming for a Scheveningen setup, a solid and flexible system that can lead to complex middlegame positions.

3. Nf3
Developing the knight and preparing to break in the center with d4.

• 3. f4: Gaining space in the center and possibly preparing to launch an attack later in the game.
• 3. Bb5: Developing the light-squared bishop and threatening to double Black's pawns.

3... e6
Allowing the dark squared bishop and g8 knight to access the e7 square, and preparing to potentially push d5.

• 3... d6: Fighting for control of the center and allowing the light-squared bishop to be activated.
• 3... g6: Choosing to fianchetto the dark squared bishop to control the central dark squares.
• 3... e5: Pushing the e-pawn and gaining space in the center. This move controls the d4 square and prevents White from breaking with d4.

4. d4
Breaking in the center in order to transpose into the Open Sicilian and play an open game.

4... cxd4
Capturing on d4 and opening up the position. Black will try to pressure White's center, often by playing Nf6 and Bb4.

5. Nxd4
Recapturing the d4 pawn and centralizing the knight. White often continues by playing Be3 and Qd2.

5... a6

6. Be3

6... Qc7

7. Be2
Developing the light-squared bishop and preparing to castle kingside.

• 7. Qd2: Activating the queen and allowing White to castle queenside.

7... Nf6
Developing the knight to f6 and pressuring White's center.

8. O-O

8... Be7