Revealing the Secret: Why Do Sicilian Players Attack Slowly?

According to GM John Emms (2002), in the Sicilian Defense, it is recommended for black pieces to await white's attacks before generating their own chances. But what if we were to break this rule and initiate an attack right from the start? It's important not to disregard fundamental chess concepts. In the upcoming analysis, I will share my thought process when encountering this position for the first time in a rapid (10+5) game. As you read on, consider what move you would make against 6...b5?!.

While I was analyzing my own game it appears that all of my previous analyses were erroneous. However, when playing chess, particularly in rapid and blitz formats, it is crucial to trust our instincts and make instinctive moves like 7.e5 without overthinking:

Funny fact, it turns out that all players in the Lichess Masters Database actually opted for 7.e5 in that particular position. So, it appears that my calculations were indeed off, and I failed to follow my instincts, missing out on a winning opportunity.

So, how should Black approach the game when playing the Sicilian Defense? To gain some valuable insights, let's examine a game played by the highly acclaimed Peruvian Grandmaster Julio Granda. Personally, I consider him not just the best chess player in Peru, but also a former teacher of mine and a significant source of inspiration in my thinking process.

We have witnessed two approaches by Grandmasters, both in words and through a game. In my opinion, one thing is clear: Black should not attack too hastily! Sicilian players should be agressive, but also patience, waiting for the right moment to strike. I hope this new perspective provides a better understanding of this well-known defense.

In summary, we learned that black needs to attack slowly. The perspectives of the two grandmasters offered valuable insights into their strategies and decision-making. I hope that my analysis helped you understand why Sicilian players tend to approach the game slowly in modern times. I would appreciate hearing whether you knew that 7.e5 was the correct move or if you were also unsure about it, and if you admire Granda's style as much as me. Good luck in your games!