It is not difficult to understand why the Alapin Sicilian is such a popular opening with amateur and professional chess players all over the world. Against Black's most dangerous reply to 1.e4 it simply offers everything you need if you are looking for a reliable scheme that does not take much time to learn.
It could even be argued that 2.c3 is the most logical response to the Sicilian Defence. White aims at creating a strong pawn centre and obtains an easily manageable middlegame. Meanwhile:
- White has to study only a few set-ups, since Black has basically only two good replies
- White is very solid
- The system can be learned quickly, since the positions are generally less complicated than in many other Sicilian lines
- Theory doesn't develop quickly, so maintaining your knowledge is fairly simple
- Black has to take big risks in order to win
The Complete c3 Sicilian brings you the basic ideas, the plans, the tactical tricks and the latest developments from recent grandmaster practice. With hundreds of games, accessibly explained, and many tests, it contains as a special feature a listing of 'opening catastrophes' to be avoided or exploited.
Universally recognized as the world's greatest Alapin expert, Evgeny Sveshnikov has written the most comprehensive guide ever: a well-structured book, indispensable for masters and yet easily accessible for club players.
Evgeny Sveshnikov is an active international player who currently represents Latvia. The Russian Grandmaster is a former trainer of Anatoly Karpov and one of the most respected opening experts in the world. He has played more than 600 c3 Sicilians with a score of over 70%, including dozens of wins against well-known grandmasters like Mikhail Tal, Sergey Tiviakov and Judit Polgar.
Content:
007 Introduction
010 Key to symbols
PART I - 2...d5 and other moves
013 Chapter 1 - Historical Overview
024 Chapter 2 - Basic Plans and Ideas
040 Chapter 3 - The Typical Endgame with a White Queenside Majority
056 Chapter 4 - Important Games by Variation
211 Chapter 5 - Exercises
253 Chapter 6 - Conclusion Part I
PART II - 2...Nf6
261 Chapter 7 - Historical Overview
273 Chapter 8 - Basic Plans and Ideas
285 Chapter 9 - Important Games by Variation
518 Chapter 10 - Exercises
556 Chapter 11 - Conclusion Part II
563 Index of Games and Fragments
569 Index of Variations | 
