The Closed Sicilian arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3. ECO code: B23.

White develops the knight to c3, avoiding the Open Sicilian (2.Nf3 and 3.d4). White typically continues with g3, Bg2, d3, and f4, building a slow but solid attack. The Closed Sicilian avoids the heavy theory of the Open Sicilian and is a popular practical choice.