The Sicilian Defense is one of the most frequently used defenses in chess from club players to Grandmasters. In this course, you’ll learn the general guidelines for the pawn structures resulting from the Sicilian.

The course is suitable for all levels of players and it breaks down the necessary principles of the Sicilian Defense.

By the end of the course, you will have a clear idea about all the main Sicilian lines.

How can this course help me?

If you want to start winning more tournament games and also gain some juicy extra ELO points, you definitely need to be armed with an opening system for Black that allows you get dynamic positions on the board with winning chances. The Sicilian Defense is perfect for you.

Key topics covered in this course

In this course you will receive highly instructive and interactive lessons on how to approach the different pawn structures that could appear on the board with any of the Sicilian Defense variations.

Hedgehog

Illustration of the structure, why Hedgehog is called that way and why it’s so poisonous. Pros and cons for both sides.

Rauzer

This lessons pays special attention to Black’s pawn formation in the center on the Bg5xf6 line.

Najdorf

In this chapter, you will learn the most unique (e.g. poisoned pawn, Polugaevsky variation) + possible transposition to Scheveningen

Scheveningen

This lesson shows White’s setups (classical, Keres Attack, Yugoslav Attack). Pros and cons for both sides.

Taimanov

This chapter explains the similarities and possible move transpositions. Lack of a6 – importance of good timing regarding playing a6. Pros and cons for both sides.

Kan

This lesson explains the difference between the Kan and the Taimanov. It shows systems with/without g6 + introduction to the Maroczy Bind. Pros and con for both sides.

Sveshnikov

In this chapter, you will learn the structure and its similarities to the Sicilian Kalashnikov. Pros and cons for both sides.

Dragon

This lesson teaches you the classical and the Accelarated Dragon and the difference of White’s pawn formation if White castles kingside/queenside. Pros and cons for both sides.

d6-d5 breaκ

Black’s d5-break is one of the most typical ways of bringing life to minor pieces. Often it’s worth sacrificing a pawn in order to open the position if White starts a kingside attack.

Summary

The summary of all lessons.

Powerful Practical Tasks

It is necessary to put the knowledge you’ll gain into practice. There are 8 practical tasks (over 50+ games) in this course which will help you to understand and remember the ideas of the course better.

The training program has a detailed explanation on what and exactly how you should do the practical tasks.

About the Author

IM Mat Kolosowski (FIDE 2451)

Mat Kołosowski is an International Master from Poland. He is a multiple Polish youth championship medalist.

In 2010 he took 5th place in European U-18 Championship. During the course of his chess career Mat has won many international tournaments.

Apart from being a player, he is also a chess coach who has experience in working with students from more than 20 countries. So far he helped a few of them in obtaining their own international titles. Mat has also performed live commentary of Polish and European Rapid and Blitz Championships.