In the ninth edition of Modern Chess Openings, Walter Korn noted that the Sicilian "received three of its earliest practical tests, and a big boost in popularity, in the 1834 MacDonnell –La Bourdonnais match, 1843 Staunton–St. Amant match, and the 1851 London Tournament."
Dalam edisi kesembilan Modern Chess Openings, Walter Korn mengatakan bahwa Sisilia "mendapat tiga tes praktik terawalnya, dan kenaikan popularitas besar, dalam pertandingan 1834 MacDonnell –La Bourdonnais, pertandingan 1843 Staunton–St. Amant, and London Tournament 1851."