A book that guides readers in how to handle a popular variation of the Sicilian Defence, which is far and away the most popular chess opening. An intimidating body of theory has been developed around the Sicilian's main lines, in which White grants his opponent a central majority which may prove an important factor later on. Many players prefer to avoid the all-or-nothing attacks of the Open Sicilian, turning instead to the positionally sound 2 c3 line. White prepares to seize space and will 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.

Chess Explained is a new series of books about chess openings. They are not theoretical works in the traditional sense, but more a series of lessons from a chess expert with extensive over-the-board experience with an opening. You will gain an understanding of the opening and the middlegames to which it leads, enabling you to find the right moves and plans in your own games. It is as if you were sitting at the board with a chess coach answering your questions about the plans for both sides, the ideas behind particular moves, and what specific knowledge you need to have. The c3 Sicilian is one of White's most popular and poisonous ways to avoid the main lines of the Sicilian. With the forcing line 1 e4 c5 2 c3, White denies his opponent the chance to demonstrate his preparation in some chaotic system; instead Black will have to fight carefully for equality in a more rational position of White's choosing. There are plenty of tricks and traps in the c3 Sicilian, and the open piece-play that often results can lead to quick attacks and means that careless play will rarely go unpunished.

Grandmaster John Emms revisits the fundamentals of the c3 Sicilian. He explains in depth the reasoning behind the critical early moves and uses instructive games to demonstrate key plans.

The Sicilian Defence is by far the most popular chess opening. If you play 1 e4 as White, on average you are likely to meet the Sicilian in virtually every other game! You need to be prepared to face the Sicilian at all times, and a ready-to-use repertoire against it is an indispensible weapon. In this book, Gawain Jones confronts the challenge of meeting the Sicilian head on. He has constructed a comprehensive Anti-Sicilian repertoire for White, which is based on lines he has successfully employed at grandmaster level. These are sound, reliable options for White, but don't be fooled - they also contain more than a drop of poison. Variations covered include the popular King's Indian Attack, various Bb5 systems and weapons against Black's offbeat tries. A Grandmaster's repertoire against the Sicilian Packed with new ideas and critical analysis Highlights key tactical and positional ideas

Generally recognized as the world's greatest expert on the c3 Sicilian, Russian grandmaster Evgeny Sveshnikov has written the definitive book on this fascinating opening. Sveshnikov covers all lines of the c3 (or Alapin) Sicilian and explains the history, the basic ideas and the latest developments from recent grandmaster practice. With hundreds of games, accessibly explained, and many exercises. A special and attractive feature is a listing of ?opening catastrophes? in the c3 Sicilian. A magnificent, up-to-date, clear-headed and well-structured book.

Chess strategies for playing the Sicilian Defense