GM Ioannis Papaioannou returns in May 2026 with a theme that lies at the heart of every strong Sicilian player's repertoire — From Theory to Technique: Understand Sicilian Endgames.
In this edition of Strategy Wednesday, the focus shifts to one of the most demanding and decisive phases of the most popular opening complex in modern chess — the endgames arising from the Sicilian Defense. The Sicilian is celebrated for its dynamism and sharpness, but games are often decided long after the tactical fireworks fade. Strong players know that a deep understanding of typical Sicilian endgames is what converts middlegame pressure into full points.
These endgames are not abstract studies. They are the natural continuations of structures every Sicilian player meets — Najdorf, Taimanov, Kan, Sveshnikov, Scheveningen, and the Maroczy. Pawn islands, weak squares, the d5 outpost, the half-open c-file, the bishop pair on opposite wings, opposite-side pawn majorities — all of these recur, and all of them require specific technique.
GM Papaioannou will guide you through the essence of these endgames. Why do certain Sicilian structures consistently favor one side in the endgame? How do strong players steer the middlegame toward a favorable transition? And how do they convert long-term structural advantages into concrete results?
A central idea of this camp is learning to play endgames where the imbalances are subtle but persistent. Many players handle sharp Sicilian middlegames confidently, then lose the thread when queens come off and the position simplifies. This training addresses that directly, showing how technique, prophylaxis, and accurate piece placement decide endgames that look balanced on the surface.
Throughout the camp, GM Papaioannou will demonstrate how recurring Sicilian endgame patterns transform the game. You will see how typical pawn structures dictate plans, how minor-piece endgames are evaluated, and how a small structural edge becomes a winning advantage with precise play.
Throughout the camp, GM Papaioannou will show you:
This training will not only deepen your understanding of a critical phase of the game — it will significantly improve your ability to play accurate, high-level technical chess.
Strategy Wednesday will take place over two Wednesdays — 13.05.2026 and 20.05.2026 — with two sessions per day. After each training day, participants will receive 10 test positions designed to reinforce the concepts introduced during the lectures. All positions will be included with solutions in the final PGN file.
All sessions are part of the Modern Chess Academy, meaning Academy members receive free access to the live lectures and to the complete digital product released afterward.
🛠 Technical Details ✓ Dates: 13.05.2026 and 20.05.2026 ✓ Platform: Zoom ✓ Coach: GM Ioannis Papaioannou
📅 Program
13.05.2026 – Paris | New York 🕒 17:30 – 19:00 | 11:30 – 13:00 – Understand Sicilian Endgames – Part 1 🕒 19:30 – 21:00 | 13:30 – 15:00 – Understand Sicilian Endgames – Part 2
20.05.2026 – Paris | New York 🕒 17:30 – 19:00 | 11:30 – 13:00 – Understand Sicilian Endgames – Part 3 🕒 19:30 – 21:00 | 13:30 – 15:00 – Understand Sicilian Endgames – Part 4 🕒 21:00 – 21:30 | 15:00 – 15:30 – Q&A with GM Grigor Grigorov & GM Petar Arnaudov
🎁 Participants Receive:
🔥 What You Will Gain
This camp will help you master the art of technique, accuracy, and strategic conversion — essential qualities of every strong Sicilian player.
This event is completed.