Description
When we refer to the Sicilian defence we surely think of one of the most played openings in the history of chess! Based on research and data, 1/4 of the games played have started with 1.E4 C5! And it has certainly been tested by the best chess players in history. A large number of chess players have converted 1.E4 to 1.D4 to avoid this extremely sharp opening.
Black immediately starts a counterattack for the center. He attacks from the “C” column instead of responding symmetrically, e.g. with 1. … e5. It creates an asymmetrical position on the board from the start which leads to quite complicated situations.
The basic idea is that Black is trying to control the central square D4. He wants to challenge White’s dominance in the center of the board. In addition, by pushing the “c” pawn, Black creates great offensive possibilities on the queen’s wing.
White has the initiative on the king’s side, while black, as mentioned above, gains a counterplay on the queen’s side thanks to the open ‘c’ column.
Efstratios Grivas will help you to understand to a great extent the secrets and ideas of the Sicilian defense!
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