The Classical Sicilian

The Sicilian family is big but the Sicilian that puts most pressure on White’s centre is the Classical Variation – Black quickly develops both knights to their most active squares. Now the English Attack, a dreaded weapon against Najdorf- and Scheveninger variations, is completely inoffensive. Moreover, the Richter-Rauzer Attack, a traditional main line in the Sicilian, does not give White the irrational attacks he might try against other Sicilians. The system of defence and counterattack recommended on this DVD leads to positions where strategic elements are at least as important as tactics. Against the positional systems Black has a relatively wide choice, including transpositions to peaceful Dragon and Scheveninger variations. But the most typical setup for the classical Sicilian is the Boleslavsky system (...e7-e5), examined on the DVD. This DVD offers Black a complete repertoire against all weapons White may employ on move six. The recommended repertoire is not as risky as other Sicilians but still offers Black plenty of counter-play. It is an ideal system for players who want to enter the wonderful world of the Sicilian.