Sicilian Defense: Closed

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO B23), reached after 3 half-moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3.

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About this opening

Sicilian Defense: Closed is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code B23. ECO group B (B00–B99) covers semi-open games (1.e4 with Black playing anything other than 1…e5), with the Sicilian, French, Caro-Kann and Pirc/Modern at its heart. This particular variation is reached after 3 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3.

It belongs to the Sicilian Defense family. Within that family this is a sub-variation (the Closed line).

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 c5, 2.Nc3. From this position 3 named continuations are recorded in the encyclopaedia, each leading to a distinct theoretical line.