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Sicilian Defense

Closed, Grob Attack

B23aggressiveoffbeat

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nc3Nc6
  3. 3.g4
261 games49%48%

A rare Closed Sicilian sideline where White answers 2...Nc6 with the flank thrust 3. g4; engines slightly prefer Black.

Train it in Theoria

About the Grob Attack

The Grob Attack is an early flank thrust in the Closed Sicilian. After 2...Nc6, White plays 3. g4, claiming kingside space and preparing Bg2 to add pressure on d5 without yet committing the f-pawn. The move loosens the kingside and is rarely seen. The engine gives Black a slight edge and prefers 3...h5, which questions the pawn at once. In practice 3...d6, 3...g6 and 3...e6 are the usual replies, and Lichess results are close to even.

Popular continuations