Simple Dangerous Openings: Closed Sicilian

In my previous article, I made the recommendation that the Bishop's Opening is a good opening against 1...e5. Now we will dive in for a simple (and yet dangerous) response to the ever-so-famous Sicilian Defense.

"But", you say, "isn't the Sicilian one of the most complicated lines with thousands of variations?" Yes, true but that's only for the open main lines (1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4).

Today I'm going to introduce you to the closed Sicilian.

 Huzzah!

Main Idea(s) For White: Build up position slowly. Possibly attack on the kingside with a slow pawn storm. Possibly open the center later with a d4 break.
Main Idea(s) For Black: Pawn storm on the queenside. Depending on the position, Black could possibly break in the center too.

The Closed Sicilian is a type of opening that I like to call a "coiled spring" type of opening. White doesn't immediately confront black directly in the center, preferring to slowly build up his forces in the kingside. Then, like a coiled spring, his position starts to gain traction and is making a play for a pawn storm on the kingside.

To give you a better understanding, let me introduce you to what could happen in a Closed Sicilian:

Paolo del Mundo
FIDE Master (USCF 2403)