Over the last ten years the Sveshnikov variation of the Sicilian Defence has become an immensely popular opening, played regularly at all levels. Top players of various styles have used it frequently, including Kramnik, Leko, Shirov and Kasparov. In this book Romanian grandmaster Dorian Rogozenko describes the current conditions surrounding this important opening. He comprehensively reviews modern practice and adds his own original analysis and conclusions. Impeccable in its theoretical accuracy, the true strength of this book lies in Rogozenkos talent for lucid explanation. With great care, he guides the reader through the complexity to the heart of each position.

The Sveshnikov Variation of the Sicilian Defence provides a battleground for one of the key conflicts in chess: structure versus activity. Black voluntarily accepts a weak pawn formation but in return obtains easy development and excellent piece activity. This is a line that finds favour with aggressive, attacking players who are confident in their tactical ability. The idea of playing ...e5 in the Sicilian is an old one but the modern Sveshnikov treatment was developed in the 1970s, since when it has featured in the repertoires of numerous elite players. It is currently experiencing great popularity due to the fact that it was Magnus Carlsen’s choice in his World Championship Match against Fabiano Caruana in London 2018. Carlsen’s success with the line was a significant factor in his eventual victory in the match. Since then he has continued to use the Sveshnikov with great success. In Opening Repertoire: The Sveshnikov leading chess author Cyrus Lakdawala guides the reader through the complexities of this dynamic variation and carves out a repertoire for Black. He examines all aspects of this highly complex opening and provides the reader with well-researched, fresh, and innovative analysis. Each annotated game has valuable lessons on how to play the opening and contains instructive commentary on typical middlegame plans. * A complete repertoire for Black in the Sicilian Sveshnikov. * A question and answer approach provides an excellent study method.

A Variation by Any Other Name... One of the most popular – and intriguing – variations of the Sicilian Defense is the so-called Chelyabinsk Variation. In the West, it is known as the Sveshnikov Variation, while older opening monographs may refer to it as the Lasker-Pelikan Variation. It is called the Chelyabinsk Variation in Russia. It is the variation that arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5. Once dismissed by theoreticians as “anti-positional,” it is now common at all levels. In this monumental work, grandmaster Gennadi Timoshchenko, one of the creative founders of the entire line, puts the entire variation into both a personal and historical perspective and then examines the theory and practice of this line in great detail. From the foreword by Garry Kasparov: “Timoshchenko’s book on the Chelyabinsk Variation is both very interesting and necessary. Behind it lies an enormous amount of work, as will become evident as you read and especially play through the author’s analysis. Readers will be able to get a definitive insight into the genesis of the Chelyabinsk Variation...In its 200 chapters, more or less every important branch of the Chelyabinsk Variation is examined. It is also unusual as it contains a huge amount of novelties at various levels of importance.” Extraordinary analytical depth, cross-checked by strong engines, is complemented by historical and biographical perspectives to make this a truly unique opening manual. Regardless of what name you give it, Sicilian Defense: The Chelyabinsk Variation will provide you with a powerful weapon against 1.e4.

The Sveshnikov is one of the most active and dynamic variations of the Sicilian, and has been used successfully by chess players of all abilities from club level through to world champions. In Grandmaster Repertoire 18 - The Sicilian Sveshnikov, opening connoisseur Vassilios Kotronias places this bold system under the microscope and provides a world-class repertoire for Black.

A mastery of tactics is essential to a competitive chess player, and the original Advanced Chess Tactics became an instant classic in this field. "This book is absolutely superb. For serious players... this volume will provide a wonderful breadth of study material and act as a workbook to advance your skills and understanding of this important topic..." was Carsten Hansen's comment when awarding the book 6/6 stars.This new edition benefits from various analytical tweaks, plus an entirely new chapter dedicated to attacking in the French Defence, an opening which the author knows better than almost anyone, having played it for most of his career. Readers are sure to find this an invaluable addition to the original chapters, which remain usefully categorized by opening or common pawn structure.

The Sicilian Defence is the most combative way to meet 1.e4, but Black's hopes of reaching his favourite Dragon, Najdorf or Sveshnikov are often quashed at an early stage. In Beating the Anti-Sicilians, grandmaster Vassilios Kotronias provides full coverage against White's many attempts to steer the game away from Open Sicilian territory. Beginning with sidelines on move 2, the author provides expert recommendations against all White's sensible deviations - as well as some not-so-sensible ones!

In this book Swedish grandmaster Tiger Hillarp Persson presents his own favourite defence against 1.e4, the Modern Defence with a6. With his trademark laid-back approach, he explains the different White replies to his system. His repertoire is based on deep understanding, common themes, and interesting games, rather than simply theory to be memorised. Pieces are sacrificed in a great number of games and famous grandmasters meet their doom on the pages of this refreshingly lively opening book. In today's chess teaching, opening theory often reaches deep into the middlegame, and players struggle to create something new and inspiring at the chessboard. Here Tiger Hillarp Persson shows that it is possible to be original at an early stage.