Sveshnikov vs. the Anti-Sicilians

The Sicilian Defence is Black’s most popular reply to 1.e4. Most Black players hope for an Open Sicilian, seeking unbalanced positions and opportunities to play for a win.

No wonder that in roughly one-third of the games White does not play 2.Nf3 and chooses one of numerous ‘Anti-Sicilian’ lines. 

Ranging from primitive and agressive to respected but tedious, these Anti-Sicilians have one thing in common: they all cross Black's plans and steer for territories where it is easy to get ambushed.

Evgeny Sveshnikov offers help. The world-famous Sicilian expert tackles these annoying lines one by one. With great ingenuity he presents a watertight repertoire that consists of practical and effective opening ideas.

As always, Sveshnikov is quite explicit in his judgments, never afraid to challenge established ideas. To test your understanding of his systems, he has included dozens of exercises.

Grandmaster Evgeny Sveshnikov, a former trainer of world champion Anatoly Karpov, is one of the most respected chess opening experts in the world. He recently published the bestselling opening monographs The Complete c3 Sicilian and The Grand-Prix Attack.

International Master John Donaldson:
"Sicilian players looking for a one volume work dedicated to combating anti-Sicilian variations will find 'Sveshnikov vs. the Anti-Sicilians: A Complete Repertoire'  just the thing they need."

GM Glenn Flear, author of 'Starting Out: The Open Games':
"Unlike some opening books, the author has shied away from the extensive (excessive?) use of game segments. He has preferred a balance between the latest ideas, classic themes and practical middlegame play. Naturally the key theoretical aspects are highlighted, but he also looks at important moments whenever they occur. There are encounters from just a few months ago, but Sveshnikov often resorts to the use of classic games to illustrate themes."

Chris Wainscott, ChessIQ:
"I do certainly consider it to be all you need against the rarer lines (i.e. 2.Na3; 2.b4; 2.f4; 2.b3 etc.) and enough to get you started on the frequently played (Alapin and Grand Prix) lines (..) I am pleased with this book and consider it to be an important part of my preparation as I do employ the Sicilian as my main weapon against 1.e4."


John Hartmann, Chess Life Magazine:
"Sveshnikov is a pugnacious and self-assured writer, not in the least afraid of courting controversy (..) An interesting (if idiosyncratic) set of responses to some key Anti-Sicilian lines."

IM Gary Lane, Chess Moves Magazine:
"I would recommend ths book to any player who wishes to update their opening repertoire."

Elburg Chess Book Reviews:
"An eye-catching, highly readable, club level repertoire book on the Anti-Sicilians. It does not matter what White plays after the move 1…c5, the master of attack comes with an excellent answer."

Carsten Hansen, ChessCafe, on 'The Complete c3 Sicilian' by Evgeny Sveshnikov:
“By far the best book ever written on this opening. Beyond that it teaches a bundle of things about chess in general.”