Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack: with Bb5 Nd4 (B23)

The with Bb5 Nd4 is a variation of the Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack, catalogued as ECO B23. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bb5 Nd4 6. O-O, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.

On the Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack generally: An aggressive Anti-Sicilian system. White plays f4 early to launch a kingside attack, avoiding the deep theory of the Open Sicilian.

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Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack: with Bb5 Nd4 — position after O-O a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bb5 Nd4 6. O-O

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nc3Nc6
3f4g6
4Nf3Bg7
5Bb5Nd4
6O-O

ECO: B23

Stockfish: -0.37 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the with Bb5 Nd4?

The with Bb5 Nd4 goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bb5 Nd4 6. O-O. It is a variation of the Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack and is catalogued as ECO B23.

What is the ECO code for the with Bb5 Nd4?

The with Bb5 Nd4 is ECO B23. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack.

Is the with Bb5 Nd4 good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bb5 Nd4 6. O-O at -0.37 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the with Bb5 Nd4 lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.