Grand Prix Attack is variation 4 of 6 in the Anti-Sicilians for White course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO B23). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 …. White plays Nc3, f4, Nf3 and Bc4, then breaks with f5 to open lines toward Black's king. Black fianchettoes and counterattacks on d4; White aims at a kingside attack with Bg5, Qe1-h4 and Bh6. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... c5 – The Sicilian.
2. Nc3 – Develops and controls d5, preparing f4.
2... Nc6 – Develops and watches d4.
3. f4 – The Grand Prix Attack: the f-pawn supports e5 and prepares f5.
3... g6 – Black fianchettoes to fight on the long diagonal.
4. Nf3 – Develops and supports e5 and g5.
4... Bg7 – Completes the fianchetto.
5. Bc4 – The bishop aims at f7 and supports f5.
5... e6 – Blunts the c4 bishop and prepares ...Nge7 and ...d5.
6. f5 – The thematic pawn sacrifice: it opens the f-file and lines toward f7.
6... Nge7 – Black develops and adds a defender to f5 and d5.
7. fxe6 – White opens the f-file and removes the e6 pawn.
7... dxe6 – Black recaptures with the d-pawn, opening the d-file for the queen.
8. d3 – Supports e4 and opens the c1 bishop.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM