ECO B23 · for White
Sicilian Defense: Grand Prix Attack
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
978,672 games in this band reached the Grand Prix Attack position. From there White won 50% and drew 3%.
1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 e6 4. Nf3 d5 5. exd5 exd5 6. Bb5 Nf6
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6
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.
Moves 3 to 4
3. f4 e6 4. Nf3 d5
3. f4
Gaining space in the center and possibly preparing to launch an attack later in the game.
3... e6
Preparing to fight for control of the center with d5 later and giving the g8 knight the e7 square to develop to.
- 3... d6: Fighting for the e5 square and preparing to develop the light-squared bishop at some point.
- 3... g6: Fianchettoing the dark-squared bishop to take control of the dark-squares in the center.
4. Nf3
Developing the knight and fighting for control of the center. White will likely develop quickly and either launch a kingside attack or play for the d4 break in the center.
4... d5
Gaining space in the center and fighting for control of it.
Moves 5 to 6
5. exd5 exd5 6. Bb5 Nf6
5. exd5
5... exd5
6. Bb5
6... Nf6
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- White typically castles kingside
- The bishop on b5 generally captures the knight on c6
- The knight on f3 often moves to e5
- The knight on c3 often moves to a4
- The kingside rook usually develops to e1
- Common pawn moves are b3 and d3
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Zukertort Opening for White