Tree path 10 levels King's Pawn Game › Sicilian Defense › Closed › Traditional › Sicilian Defense: Closed, Fianchetto Variation › Sicilian Defense: Closed › Sicilian Defense: Closed › Sicilian Defense: Closed › Sicilian Defense: Closed › Botvinnik Defense, with f4
B25

Sicilian Defense: Closed, Botvinnik Defense, with f4

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Overview

Sicilian Defense: Closed, Botvinnik Defense, with f4 is a specific line in the Semi-Open Games family (ECO B25), arising from a recognised theoretical position.

The Semi-Open Games group covers semi-open games — replies to 1.e4 where Black declines the symmetrical 1…e5 in favour of an asymmetric pawn structure.

The line arises from 12 plies — specifically the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 d6 6. f4 e5.

The line refines Sicilian Defense: Closed, which traces back to the root opening King's Pawn Game.

It continues primarily into one named line, Sicilian Defense: Closed, Botvinnik Defense, Edge Variation.

Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.

ECO code
B25
Group
Semi-Open Games (B)
Plies
12
Parent
Sicilian Defense: Closed
Direct variations
1

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.

Statistics from Lichess

40,186 games · White 50.9% / Draw 6.7% / Black 42.4%

MovesGamesW / D / B
Nf328,265
Nh37,385
Nge21,538
h31,349
fxe5627
Be3386
Nd5202
f5162

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:36:16

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Variations (1)