New: S P Sethuraman: The Classical Sicilian - A Timeless Counterattacking Weapon
The Classical Sicilian remains one of the most resilient and strategically rich responses to 1.e4. In this new ChessBase course, Grandmaster S.P. Sethuraman offers an in-depth guide to this time-tested defence, covering key lines such as 6.Bg5, 6.f3 and 6.Bc4. Designed for ambitious club players and competitive improvers alike, the course balances theoretical depth with practical insight, featuring model games, tactical drills and move-order nuances. With over five hours of video content, it’s a comprehensive repertoire for Black. Grab this Fritztrainer and increase your theoretical understanding of Classical Sicilian. You can now stream videos and study from ChessBase books. Photo: ChessBase
Principled, timeless
The Classical Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6) has stood the test of time as one of the most principled and fighting defences against 1.e4.
With its rich history spanning world championship matches and modern elite tournaments, this opening remains a favourite among players who seek a dynamic, counterattacking approach without venturing into extreme theoretical battles like the Najdorf or Sveshnikov.
In this comprehensive ChessBase course, GM Sethuraman guides you through the essential concepts, strategic motifs, and cutting-edge theory of the Classical Sicilian, covering all key setups and move orders. The course is designed to provide a deep yet practical repertoire for Black, balancing solid foundations with aggressive counterplay.
What you will learn – A practical approach to targeting weaknesses:
1. Understanding the Classical Structure
2. Mainline Coverage (6.Bg5, 6.f3, 6 Bc4 and more)
3. Sharp Tactics & Strategic Play
4. Move-Order Tricks & Transpositions
5. Model Games & Exercise Drills
Whether you're an ambitious club player or a seasoned competitor, this repertoire will help you seize the initiative and dictate the game against 1.e4!
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: 6.h3
• Video running time: 5 hours 27 minutes (English)
• You can save all the games and variations from the video clips in your ChessBase database!
System requirements
App for Windows: Windows-PC, Windows 10 or 11 and Internet
App for Mac: Mac OS X and internet
ChessBase books: Computer (iPad, Tablet, PC etc.), current browser, internet
ChessBase video stream: Computer (iPad, Tablet, PC etc.), current browser, internet
Streaming: for iPad & tablet
Delivery: ChessBase book (digital) and Download
About the Author
Grandmaster S P Sethuraman is a former World Under-16 Champion and Asian Chess Champion. A key player in India‘s Olympiad success, he is known for his deep opening preparation and strategic mastery. With years of elite level experience, he is a true expert in modern opening play. His insights help players navigate the complexities of the opening with confidence.
