Closed Sicilian: 2.Nc3 and 3.g3 is variation 3 of 6 in the Anti-Sicilians for Black course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B25). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 …. White keeps the centre closed and builds an attack on the kingside. Black puts the bishop on g7, castles and plays on the queenside with the b-pawn. The two sides race on opposite wings. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... c5 – The Sicilian.
2. Nc3 – White develops and keeps the c-pawn behind the knight.
2... Nc6 – Black develops and watches d4.
3. g3 – The Closed Sicilian. The bishop goes to g2 and aims at the long diagonal.
3... g6 – Black also prepares a fianchetto.
4. Bg2 – The bishop takes the long diagonal.
4... Bg7 – Black's bishop does the same and presses on c3 and b2.
5. d3 – White keeps the centre closed.
5... d6 – Black controls e5 and frees the c8 bishop.
6. f4 – White prepares to push the f-pawn and attack the king.
6... Nf6 – Black develops and gets ready to castle.
7. Nf3 – White develops and supports the e5 square.
7... O-O – Black castles.
8. O-O – White castles too.
8... Rb8 – The rook supports the b-pawn. Black's play is on the queenside.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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