The Modernized Anti-Sicilians - Volume 2

Black is forced to make an immediate decision on move 3 and wait for the right moment to open the position. In addition, the author created practical difficulties for the Negro. Naturally, it is not possible to find an advantage in every variation, but Ravi added many detailed explanations to guide the plans and help understand in the various positions the target encounters. Ravi's analysis makes the Negro's path to equality extremely narrow.

Finally, it was important to also consider the less popular second moves (2...g6, 2...a6, and 2...Nf6). In particular, both 3.c3 and 3.c4 versus 2 were examined. .g6. The latter transposes an Accelerated Dragon, which the author can justify including in an Anti-Sicilian book as he believes it is correct to enter into a 'Open Sicilian' type position if it benefits someone. This approach has been emphasized in both volumes and is made especially clear in the chapter against 2. .g6.

In this second and final volume of the Anti-Sicilian series, the author covers all the alternatives to 2. .Nc6. The Moscow variation is the only critical alternative to 3.d4 that has caused any concern for Black, and the author's choices in this variation were selected primarily for their ability to create practical difficulties for the opponent. Against three. .Nd7, the author considers two distinct options, either cast immediately or play first 4.a4.

Against solid three. .Bd7, the author offers two options for achieving central control. 5.c4 points to a more positional Maroczy structure, while alternative 5.0-0 transforms the position into an advanced French-type structure. The author also discusses a second option for 3. .Nc6 - 6.h3 instead of 6.c3 - to limit the activity of Black's pieces by suppressing the reach of bishop c8. The author has also analyzed both 3.c3 and 3.g3 versus 2. .e6.

Finally, the author examines the second least popular moves, 2. .g6, two. .a6, and 2.. .Nf6, and includes an Accelerated Dragon variation, which can benefit the player. Despite the delay in the publication of this second volume, the author believes that this Anti-Sicilian series will provide a strong lifelong repertoire and a basis for responding to future theoretical developments.

Ravi Haria (born 1999) is the youngest Grandmaster in England. Alongside his career as a chess player and coach, Ravi studies History at University College London. This is his second book for Thinkers Publishing, the sequel to the award-winning Volume 1 of the same series, The Rossolimo Variation of the Anti-Sicilian Women.