3.d4 is the most popular response to the Sicilian, both at grandmaster and club level. The theory of the opening is huge and grows continually. Knowing typical tactical patterns is important to keep the upper hand in these sharp lines. Roeland Pruijssers and Nico Zwirs show patterns you should know when playing the Open Sicilian. The interactive FritzTrainer format invites the viewer to answer questions and helps to test and deepen your knowledge. And even if the Sicilian is not part of your repertoire you will profit from this lecture– after all, mastering tactics is always useful in chess.

Themes: b6-Tactics, The chase, The e5-break, Elimination, The Lure, Mating Attacks, Nd5, Nf5, Opening Files, Pin, Positional Exchange Sac- rifice, Sacrifices on e6 and b5, Trapping, Weak Pawns, Zwischenzug, Defending, Double Attack, Calculation

• Video running time: 7 hours (English)
• With interactive training including video feedback
• Extra: Database with even more examples

Roeland Pruijssers is a Dutch Grandmaster living in Apeldoorn. He started chess at a young age, getting his IM title at 18 and the GM title at 22. Besides being an active player, he’s also a prolific chess coach and author.

Nico Zwirs is a Dutch International Master living in Amsterdam, who grew up in Apeldoorn. He got the IM title in 2019, reaching a peak rating of 2453. He’s an active player, participating in several European leagues.