Sicilian Defense · B23

Closed, Korchnoi Defense

1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 e6 3. g3 d5

The pawns on d5 and e4 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. White skips d4 entirely, fianchettoes on g2, and plays for a slow kingside build-up while Black expands on the queenside.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Defense.
• 2. Nc3 Develops the knight to c3, eyeing d5 and e4. It also props up the e4 pawn.
• 2... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 2 more moves in this line, 6 in all.