Sicilian Defense: Prins VariationBETA

White seeks to build up a Maroczy bind setup with c4, but first must protect the e4 pawn. The more natural Nc3 is objectively stronger, but blocks the c2 pawn and therefore prevents white from achieving this bind in the center.

The Prins variation is an interesting alternative to the main lines that occur after Nc3. Rather than play actively for a kingside attack, white attempts to build up a Maroczy bind setup with c4 and e4 to clamping down on the d5 break. Black can choose to either play energetically and break down this bind immediately, or play solidly and accept the bind under reasonably favorable circumstances.