Beat 1.e4 with The Classical Sicilian Defense – GM Bryan Smith

The Classical Variation of the Sicilian Defense is a chess opening for Black against 1.e4. It is a semi-open opening and has a reputation for being sharp and double-edged. It occurs after the moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6.

The Classical Sicilian defense is an excellent opening choice for a Black player who wants to play uncompromising chess, leading to sharp as well as creative positions.

One of the main advantages of playing the Classical Sicilian defense is that it is not as theoretically explored as the Sicilian Najdorf, nor as forcing as the Sicilian Dragon.

GM Smith analyzes the best options for Black to counter White’s multiple efforts against the Classical Sicilian, providing you with several easy-to-learn and effective setups for Black to crush White.

In this comprehensive 4-hour Empire Chess course, GM Bryan Smith builds up your knowledge of this powerful opening weapon, demonstrating how to combat each of the main White variations in turn.

Not only will you frustrate White players used to trying their pet lines against Black’s most common variations in the Sicilian Defense, but they’ll also face a line they didn’t expect at all.

The Classical Sicilian defense also gives you excellent winning chances due to its complexities. It is a highly flexible, tricky, and double-edged opening with which Black can avoid premature simplifications and confidently go for the full point.