Closed Sicilian Defense: Grand Prix Attack
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4
Similar to the Closed Sicilian but more aggressive, White combines a solid approach to the center with an advance on the kingside. 3.f4 grabs some space and prepares a future f4-f5, looking for attack.
Pros:
- White has some simple attacking schemes which are hard to meet
- Aggressive, but not very theoretical
Cons:
- The f4 move weakens the white king position
- Black has an easy time hitting back with ...d5
- Somewhat simplistic play