Universal Opening System Against the Sicilian Defense (AVOID THEORY)

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In this video lesson, GM Igor Smirnov shares with you a simple and universal chess opening against the Sicilian Defense (Anti-Sicilian), which arises after 1.e4 c5— the most popular and highest-scoring response to White's first move, 1.e4.

The drawback of playing the mainline (2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3) is the extensive opening theory knowledge required. Playing against variations like the Najdorf, Dragon, Scheveningen, and Classical demands a complete opening preparation.

That's why GM Smirnov recommends 5.f3, known as the Prins Variation. By delaying the development of your queenside knight, you can play c4, establishing a rock-solid pawn structure in the center that restricts Black's pieces.

The beauty of this variation lies in its systemic nature; you can play the same set of moves regardless of Black's response. Most importantly, you can avoid the complexities of Sicilian Defense opening theories and surprise your opponents with this secret sideline!

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► Chapters

00:00 Counter the Sicilian Defense as White
00:11 Prins Variation 5.f3
01:38 White's position is very solid, restricting Black
02:59 Middlegame attacking plan for White
04:10 Nd5 breakthrough (key tactical shot)
05:50 Common counterattack by Black
07:58 When a GM almost played Bongcloud in this opening

#IgorNation #SicilianDefense #ChessOpenings #SicilianDefence

[Polish_internet_troll]

Right when I needed to learn something against Sicilian defense, this channel is really helping me improve at chess.
Also, I like how almost all of the openings on this channel include pushing f pawn in the opening,

[resop]

There is a way for Black to avoid the Maroczy Bind in this opening: 5. ... e5 6.Nb3 d5. It doesn't solve all of Black's problems but it is better than having to play against the bind. The Position at 3:19 is similar to a position that I get to often in the Alapin Sicilian line: 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.f3 cxd4 5.cxd4 g6. I do very well in those sorts of positions.

[GMIgorSmirnov]

► Chapters

00:00 Counter the Sicilian Defense as White
00:11 Prins Variation 5.f3
01:38 White's position is very solid, restricting Black
02:59 Middlegame attacking plan for White
04:10 Nd5 breakthrough (key tactical shot)
05:50 Common counterattack by Black
07:58 When a GM almost played Bongcloud in this opening

[nishusaif]

This opening helped me beat an 1800 rated player.

[tomprzytula]

Great video as usual, I'm going to try this out.
At 10:25 white can win a Queen too by going Ne6, then recapturing with the other Knight.

[gollumchess]

Keep doing the good work.

I am an Alapin player, But Started playing Grand Prix Attack after you made video on it. Now, Will try this one too.

Chess is fun when we have a coach like you.

[Bruce]

Clear and precise. Favorite GM teacher ever..., ✌🏾

[scotblust]

This set-up is most fascinating! I've never seen anything like it. Thanks Igor!

[christopherkrantz]

5...e5 6.Nb3 d5 7.Bg5 d4 =, there is always a reason why minor lines like this isn`t played very often.

[androdignadice]

Thanks Soo Much right when I always lose when they play Sicilian, I found this video thanks, this channel is good 👍

[PaulFurber]

Very nice line Igor - going to try this!

[RussSur]

@GMIgorSmirnov, Love the idea, but what "AVOID THEORY" response do you have to 2... Nc6? It's the most common move until titled level, and looks like we still need to know all the theory for Classical, Sveshnikov and Accelerated Dragon lines?

[leszekebertowski]

Omg ! This lines are a far better than my anti Sicilian Grand Prix attack ! Thank You Igor ! Love it ;)

[wojciechpietrzak]

Hi 🙂 I enjoy your videos very much! Could you record one showing how to counter Nimzo-Larsen as Black if White plays it? Thanks in advance!

[Highme]

Many thx for this great line against the Sicilian. One question: Is there also a line if black plays 2. --/Nc6? which is also a common move in the Sicilian. Thx in advance.

[sneakery]

What should I do when black plays Nc6 early in the game attacking my knight on d4? Should I trade them off, move my knight to b3 like when attacked by the e pawn or should I defend it with my dark squared bishop and queen? When I used analysis the engine was very indecicive what to do...

[animedebo]

Perfect.. ive been playing this guy and all he plays is the sicilian and know the basic stuff

[ok-ykve]

U are so good one of the top chess teaching channel ❤u deserves more subs and views and hope this is the year for u❤❤❤

[ismailsyed]

hey igor this variation lost me on move6 after e5 as my opponent sacked on e4 and my oppponent crushed me with Qh4

[nishusaif]

Can you create an opening crash course on the Trompwsky Attack?