Sicilian Defense: Closed

1.e4 c5 2.Nc3

ECO B23

The Sicilian Defense: Closed is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3.

It is catalogued under code B23 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Nc3 is chosen by White on move 2.

12 named continuations branch from this position, including the Carlsen Variation and the Chameleon Variation.

Named variations

• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Carlsen Variation — ECO B23
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Chameleon Variation — ECO B23
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Grob Attack — ECO B23
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Korchnoi Defense — ECO B23
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Portland Attack — ECO B23
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Traditional — ECO B23
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Fianchetto Variation — ECO B24
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Smyslov Variation — ECO B24
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Botvinnik Defense, Edge Variation — ECO B25
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Botvinnik Defense, with Nge2 — ECO B25
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Botvinnik Defense, with f4 — ECO B25
• Sicilian Defense: Closed, Anti-Sveshnikov Variation — ECO B30

Do you want to learn openings?

Start with a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent:

• Catalan Opening
• King's Indian Defense with ...e5

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.