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In this video, GM Susan Polgar looks at a critical topic for 1.e4 and 1…c5 players: the typical tactics in the Sicilian Defense.

The Sicilian Defense is one of the sharpest openings in chess, with an imbalance created straight from the beginning: White plays in the center, Black on the flank. Despite there being many variations of the Sicilian, there are also lots of similarities in each side’s formations.

In this video, a preview of her Secrets of Chess Strategy (Beginner), Susan reveals some of the opening traps you need to be aware of.

When either side moves their c-pawn (always Black in the Sicilian, often White too), this allows possible Qa4+/Qa5+ moves and undefended pieces are often lost to this move. Also, with only the c and d-pawns moved, Black has to be careful of Bb5+. If the Queen’s Bishop and Knight have moved, Black might have to give up his Queen.

These themes and more lend themselves to more subtle combinations as revealed in this video. It’s quite easy for either side to lose a piece in the first ten moves. Knowing these patterns will help you avoid embarrassing blunders and trap a few opponents too.

Susan will also show you some even more deadly attacks. Often Black’s King is somewhat smothered by the closeness of his own pieces. A well-timed sacrifice, often for a pawn on e6, can open lines for a mating attack; again, very early in the game.

It pays to know about the typical tactics in the Sicilian Defense, perhaps above all other openings. Which squares become weak and why, when and where to sacrifice material and which moves to be very careful about. Watch this video and you will be well prepared to survive and profit from this opening.