"One might ask 'Why is White wasting time and in such a strange way?'" So begins this unusual book by GM Alexey Bezgodov. After months of analytical work and practical experience he became convinced that 2.a3!? was a serious test of the Sicilian Defence in tournament as well as blitz games. Here he presents his analysis as a coherent opening system; the first time that 2.a3 has received such a treatment! White has a rational plan which is to eliminate Black's c-pawn with b2-b4, preparing the way for pawn d2-d4 and also allowing his bishop to come to life on the a1-h8 diagonal. Can it work? In thirteen chapters Bezgodov examines Black's most common responses 2..e5/Nc6/d5/Nf6/g6/e6/d6 and rare alternatives. Most of the book's content is his own analysis as there are very few games in this rare system - which is another good reason to give it a try in your own games! GM Alexey Bezgodov was Russian Champion in 1993 and is now a chess journalist in Russia. Pub. 2004, softback, 206 pages.
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Anti-Sicilians (where White does not play 2.Nf3, 3.d4 and 4.Nxd4) are the reason why so many players of the Black pieces are afraid to try the Sicilian for fear of falling into White's pet system. However Rogozenko claims that "Anti-Sicilians do not bring an opening advantage for White." Here he offers a complete, safe and objective repertoire for Black against all of White's Anti-Sicilian attempts. His analysis is in seven chapters: 1. Early Deviations (2.c4/b4/b3/d3/g3/d4) 2. The Grand Prix Attack, 3.The Closed Sicilian, 4.The Alapin Sicilian (2.c3) 5. Miscellaneous Lines with 2.Nf3, 6. 3.Bb5 Lines, 7. System 2.Nf3,d6; 3.d4,cxd4; 4.Qxd4. The presentation is a mixtures of analysis, text and game fragments and includes an index of variations. A one book companion to your main theory sources for any Sicilian player. Pub. 2003, softback, 192 pages.
The Grand Prix Attack involves an early f4 against Black's Sicilian Defence. Plaskett examines both 2.f4 and 2.Nc3, 3.f4 which can lead to very different systems appealing to different styles of play. The book contains 91 complete games, analysed by the author, covering the various lines of play available to both sides including Black's dangerous 2…d5 gambit against 2.f4. The Grand Prix Attack is a fearsome tournament weapon and Plaskett has been one of it's leading exponents. pub. 2000, softback, 144 pages.
70 complete, annotated games in thirteen chapters which aim to show you all the tricks necessary to play 2.c3 against the Sicilian. The book divides into three parts with 2...Nf6; 2...d5; and 2...others. Written primarily from White’s viewpoint, nonetheless all major systems are covered and the author keeps a sense of objectivity. Chapter summaries neatly tie up variations and key games.pub. 1999, softback, 176 pages.
A handy guide to the c3 Sicilian aimed at club and tournament players who want to take up the opening for the first time. I.M. Sam Collins explains the strategy and tactics of the opening using extensive verbal descriptions as well as concrete analysis. The body of the book is made up of 25 recent, instructive games in the c3 Sicilian which are discussed in detail. Chapter introductions and conclusions summarise the key points of each variation of the opening. The six chapters include main lines in both the 2..Nf6; and 2..d5; systems as well as Black's 2nd move alternatives. Indexes of games and variations are included. Sam Collins is an Irish International Master and won a gold medal for Ireland at the Bled 2002 Olympiad. Pub. 2007, softback, 111 pages.
2.c3 avoids the all-or-nothing attacks of the Open Sicilian, turning instead to a positionally sound line in which White prepares to seize space and develop his pieces rapidly to natural squares. Those who specialize in the 2 c3 Sicilian find it to be an excellent point-scorer, as Black has not only objective difficulties to contend with, but also has the psychological problem that he is battling just for equality, with little prospect of taking the initiative.
After the 1990s, when theory developed rapidly and rapid equality seemed the only outcome, new ideas for both sides have started to appear again. Many appear in this book in which the authors offer a systematic analysis of 2..d5, 2..Nf6 and alternative moves in ten chapters. They make their own recommendations and draw their own conclusions to provide a fresh perspective on the theory of the 2.c3 Sicilian.
Eduardas Rozentalis is a strong grandmaster from Lithuania. He is well known as a specialist in the 2 c3 Sicilian, that he has played for many years and enriched with many new and imaginative ideas. Andrew Harley is a FIDE Master from England who has also specialized in the 2 c3 Sicilian for many years. Pub. 2002, softback, 192 pages.
Analysis and 40 illustrative games covering the Wing Gambit (1.e4,c5; 2.b4), the Keres Gambit (1.e4,c5; 2.Nf3,d6; 3.b4) and other b4 gambits (2..Nc6/e6/a6). These gambits can easily catch out the unprepared opponent at club and tournament level and are sound enough against any defence. Pub. 1985, softback, 72 pages.
This major new work on the Morra Gambit (1.e4,c5; 2.d4,cxd4; 3.c3) includes both analysis and key games which attempt to provide an objective assessment of both sides' chances in this sharp opening system. The author has made the Morra his main weapon against the Sicilian and has plenty of experience in the kind of positions arising. He has based his choice of stem games on the quality of moves chosen, the popularity of the system under consideration, the strength of the players involved and the overall quality of the games themselves. In eleven chapters he examines all Black's major and lesser played defensive set-ups and includes a chapter on the Morra Declined. This is the most comprehensive book on the Morra Gambit for many years and one which no prospective Morra or Sicilian player should be without. Author Hannes Langrock is a German FIDE Master and winner of the German Individual Cup in 2002. Pub. 2006, softback, 334 pages. Contents list
An analysis of the system 1.e4,c5; 2.Nc3,Nc6; 3.g3 with 103 annotated games in 9 chapters. King, writing primarily from White's point of view, explains White's strategy and shows the best ways of playing against all the major defensive set-ups that Black can try. The final chapter looks at lines where Black plays ..e6 and ..d5. Each chapter has a summary of variations. An accessible, informative work. Pub. 1997, softback, 144 pages.
The Starting Out series is an excellent way for club players to learn a new opening and try it out in serious play. Each book is packed with tips, hints and warnings and is clearly laid out with numerous diagrams and explanations of strategic ideas. In this book IM Richard Palliser discusses key ideas for both sides and analyses the position after White's key 6th moves 6.f4, 6.Be3, 6.Nh3 and 6.Nge2. He also looks at early Black deviations and move orders with 2.d3 and 2.g3. The play is illustrated through 42 complete, annotated games which highlight the vital characteristics of the Closed Sicilian. The book is a good place to start if you are likely to play either the White or Black side of this opening. Pub. 2006, softback, 208 pages.
