Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Closed, Smyslov Variation

B24positional

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nc3Nc6
  3. 3.g3g6
  4. 4.Bg2Bg7
  5. 5.d3e6
  6. 6.Be3Nd4
  7. 7.Nce2

No game statistics for this position yet.

A Closed Sicilian line in which Black meets 6. Be3 with an early ...Nd4 and White reroutes the c3-knight to e2, leading to a flexible maneuvering game.

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About the Smyslov Variation

The Smyslov Variation comes from the fianchetto lines of the Closed Sicilian. Black chooses 5...e6 over 5...d6 and meets 6. Be3 with 6...Nd4, occupying the square White's bishop was developed to control. White answers 7. Nce2, sending the c3-knight to contest d4 and freeing the c-pawn to evict the intruder. With the pawn on e6, Black keeps central options open, and the play that follows tends to be maneuvering rather than forcing.

Popular continuations

No continuations known for this position yet.