Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack: with e6 and d5 (B23)

The with e6 and d5 is a variation of the Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack, catalogued as ECO B23. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 e6 4. Nf3 d5 5. Bb5, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after five moves.

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 e6 and d5 — position after Bb5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 e6 4. Nf3 d5 5. Bb5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nc3Nc6
3f4e6
4Nf3d5
5Bb5

ECO: B23

Stockfish: -0.05 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the with e6 and d5?

The with e6 and d5 goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 e6 4. Nf3 d5 5. Bb5. It is a variation of the Sicilian, Grand Prix Attack and is catalogued as ECO B23.

What is the ECO code for the with e6 and d5?

The with e6 and d5 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 e6 and d5 good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 e6 4. Nf3 d5 5. Bb5 at -0.05 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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 e6 and d5 lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move.