Master the Classical Sicilian with One of Its Greatest Practitioners
We are proud to present Dreev’s Classical Sicilian, an elite-level repertoire course co-authored by GM Alexey Dreev and GM Pier Luigi Basso. This powerful course gives you a complete and highly practical Black repertoire after:
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6
The course is centered around the Classical Sicilian, one of the most historically rich and strategically flexible weapons against 1.e4. Despite being overshadowed in recent years by the Najdorf and the Sveshnikov, the Classical Sicilian is making a strong comeback—thanks to modern engine discoveries and the lifelong expertise of GM Dreev, who was a pioneer of the line in the 1990s.
✅ What You Will Learn
This course is more than just a collection of lines—it’s a strategic blueprint for playing the Classical Sicilian at the highest level.
📌 Critical Line – 6.Bg5 Bd7
The line 6.Bg5 Bd7 was long considered slightly dubious for Black—until a powerful novelty changed everything. GM Dreev, who once abandoned the Classical due to this variation, now returns with cutting-edge analysis and practical solutions that revive this classical line for modern play.
“No one is better than Dreev to show you how to handle these positions today.”
— GM Pier Luigi Basso
🎯 Course Highlights
12 Theoretical Chapters
Covers all major and minor continuations after 6.Bg5, 6.Bc4, 6.f3, 6.Be2, 6.g3, 6.f4, 6.Nd5, and more.
30 Interactive Test Positions
Train your pattern recognition and decision-making in typical middlegame structures.
Memory Booster
A structured recap system to help you memorize the most important lines and plans.
Video Version (3h 53min)
Authors explain key lines, strategic ideas, and practical concepts with clarity and depth.
Basso’s 15-Minute Repertoire
A fast-access video ideal for tournament preparation or last-minute refreshers.
📘 Inside the Course
Here’s how the course breaks down:
🔎 Chapters 1–6: The Critical 6.Bg5 Bd7 System
You’ll master the key tabiya after 7.Qd2 Rc8 8.O-O-O Nxd4 9.Qxd4 Qa5, a position that will occur in over 50% of your games against 6.Bg5. Expect GM-level novelties, strategic insights, and concrete solutions to White’s main ideas.
🔄 Chapters 7–12: Sidelines and Trendy Systems
From the English Attack (6.f3) to the Bishop Attack (6.Bc4), every sideline is addressed. In particular:
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Chapter 10 reveals why 6.Bc4 e5—once considered unthinkable—is now the engine’s top choice.
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Chapter 11 neutralizes the increasingly popular 6.Bb5+.
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Chapter 12 covers tricky moves like 6.f4, 6.Nd5, and other surprises.
🔥 Why Choose the Classical Sicilian?
Flexible yet aggressive – Balanced positions with counter-attacking potential.
Less theoretical than the Najdorf – You’ll learn plans, not just moves.
Engine-approved revival – What was once outdated is now back with powerful novelties.
Practical weapon – Ideal for club players and titled players alike.
💬 From the Authors
“20–30 years ago, no strong classical player would have played ...e5 in response to 6.Bc4. Today, it’s the engine’s top choice—and for good reason: it works.”
— GM Pier Luigi Basso
“In just a few hours of study, you’ll get a top-level weapon against the Open Sicilian—refined by Alexey Dreev over a lifetime of experience.”
🛒 Who Is This Course For?
Strong players, as well as ambitious club players.
Anyone looking for a solid yet dynamic opening against 1.e4.
Students of Dreev's positional style who want to apply it in sharp openings.
Players who want to refresh or upgrade their Classical Sicilian repertoire with engine-tested lines.
🎁 Course Package Includes
✅ 12 Theoretical Chapters
✅ 30 Test Positions with Solutions
✅ Memory Booster System
✅ 3h 53min Video Lessons
✅ Basso's 15-Minute Repertoire
✅ PGN Download
✅ Access on all devices
🚀 Take Your Sicilian to the Next Level
This course is not only a complete opening repertoire against 1.e4, but a strategic masterclass by two top GMs. With the Classical Sicilian back in fashion, now is the perfect time to arm yourself with one of Black’s most principled defenses.