Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. Nc3/2...Nc6/3. f4

Closed Sicilian rd bd qd kd bd nd rd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd nd pd pl pl nl pl pl pl pl pl pl rl bl ql kl bl nl rl Closed Sicilian: Grand Prix Attack With 3. f4, white starts the Grand Prix attack, a sharp and aggressive weapon against the Sicilian. Instead of trying to control the center with d2-d4 or develop the minor pieces, white controls the center with the f-pawn and launches a pawn storm directly against the kingside. Black may choose to fianchetto the bishop or start attacking on the queenside (A choice made easier by the pawn on c5). In general, players castle on opposite sides and attack the other side with pawns and bishops, trying to weaken each other's kings. Black can also strike back at the center with an early 3...d5. After 3. f4, white usually develops the bishop on either c4 or b5, followed by d3 to open up the dark-squared bishop. References Sicilian Defence fi:Shakki/r1bqkbnr;pp1ppppp;2n5;2p5;4P3;2N5;PPPP1PPP;R1BQKBNR w KQkq