Sicilian Grand Prix Attack: with Nf3 and Bb5 (B23)

The with Nf3 and Bb5 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, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. 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 Nf3 and Bb5 — position after Bb5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bb5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nc3Nc6
3f4g6
4Nf3Bg7
5Bb5

ECO: B23

Stockfish: -0.40 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the with Nf3 and Bb5?

The with Nf3 and Bb5 goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 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 Nf3 and Bb5?

The with Nf3 and Bb5 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 Nf3 and Bb5 good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 g6 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. Bb5 at -0.40 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 Nf3 and Bb5 lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move.