Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Closed Variation
The Closed Variation is 3.Nc3, defending e4 with a developing move instead of pushing. White keeps an Open Sicilian with d4 in reserve, while Black can transpose with ...d6 or try ...Nc6 or ...d5 for different setups.
- Moves
- 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3
- ECO
- B29
- Engine
- +0.24 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 743 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 52.9%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- Play d4 after ...d6, reaching an Open Sicilian with an extra developing move.
- Against ...Nc6, Bb5 and castling prepare Re1 and d4.
- Against ...d5, Bb5+ and e5 gain space and trade light-squared bishops.
- Use f3 and Nb3 in some lines to keep a solid center.
Black
- 3...d6 transposes toward an Open Sicilian after d4.
- 3...Nc6 keeps options and aims for ...Nd4 after Bb5.
- 3...d5 hits e4, but after Bb5+ and e5, White gains space.
- Develop ...a6 and ...g6 in some lines for a fianchetto setup.
Plans and pawn structure
This move-order keeps the game flexible. If Black plays ...d6, White enters an Open Sicilian with d4, and Black can choose a Najdorf-like ...a6 or a Dragon setup with ...g6. If Black plays ...Nc6, White can use Bb5 and Re1 to keep pressure on e5 and d4. If Black plays ...d5, White trades bishops and pushes e5 for space. Both sides must play actively to avoid passive structures.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.24: level. Its three top choices for Black:
- +0.24 3...d6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 a6 6.Nb3
- +0.30 3...Nc6 4.Bb5 Qc7 5.O-O Nd4 6.Re1
- +0.38 3...d5 4.Bb5+ Bd7 5.e5 Bxb5 6.Nxb5
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
743 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 52.9%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
How to play against it
As Black, play 3...d6 and enter an Open Sicilian, or 3...Nc6 for a flexible game. Avoid 3...d5 unless you know the lines, since White gains space with e5.
Questions
What are the moves of the Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Closed Variation?
The Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Closed Variation starts 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3. Its ECO code is B29.
Is the Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Closed Variation good for White?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.24 at depth 20, which is level. In 743 lichess games from our sample, White scored 52.9%. A flexible move-order for White players who like options, while Black must choose a setup that fits their style.
What is the main idea of the Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Closed Variation?
White defends e4 with Nc3 and keeps the option of an Open Sicilian. Black can transpose with ...d6 or choose ...Nc6 or ...d5 for different play.
What should Black play next?
The engine's first choice is d6, with Nc6 and d5 close behind. 3...d6 keeps things simple, preparing an Open Sicilian after d4.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.