The Closed Sicilian arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 (ECO B23), when White declines d4 and builds a set-up with g3, Bg2, d3 and f4. It is a quiet, positional way to play against the Sicilian.
The play is closed in character: White slowly prepares a kingside attack with f4-f5 while Black unfolds counterplay on the queenside. Understanding the plans matters more here than knowing concrete lines.
Spassky and Smyslov were both fond of the Closed Sicilian. A convenient choice for anyone who wants a game of their own against 1...c5 without wading into the theoretical thickets of the open lines.
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It is the mating side to move. Find mate in one.
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