On the map of modern chess theory there is a 'blank spot' - the Nimzowitsch-Rubinstein Variation of the Sicilian Defence (1 .e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6). Everyone has heard of it, but no one really knows anything about it.

The literature devoted to this topic is extremely scanty. Two or three articles, a few brochures, one ancient monograph (in German) - and that's all.

The book of international master Grigory Bogdanovich fills this gap. The author, a recognised expert on the Variation, has summarised and fully systemised his many years of experience in the given field. His views are subjective - but this is what makes them valuable. His conclusions are paradoxical, but they, so to speak, 'grab' the reader and do not leave him indifferent. You want to argue with him, but - and this is the main thing! - his presentation of the Variation makes you want to study it and play it.

Content:
003Foreword

PART ONE. White does not play 3. e5

006Chapter One. 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 d5

053 Chapter One Guide

Chapter Two. Breitman Variation

055 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6

093 Chapter Two Guide

095Chapter Three. Typical Pawn Structures

119 Chapter Three Guide

120Appendix 1. Reference Games

PART TWO. White plays 3. e5

136Chapter Four. 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4

169 Chapter Four Guide

Chapter Five. Larsen Variation

171 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nc3 e6 5. Nxd5 ed 6. d4

209 Chapter Five Guide

211Appendix 2. Reference Games

PART THREE. 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nc3 Nxc3 5. dc

220Chapter Six. Typical Pawn Structures

231Chapter Seven. Linking the opening and the middlegame

264Chapter Eight. How to handle the ending with the given TPS

271Appendix 3. Reference Games

287Conclusion

289Game Index