What's New- February '02
Howdy everyone! I hope this month's update finds all my chess friends around the globe well.
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Please note that, in keeping with our new system based around eBooks and ChessPub.exe, we have decided to discontinue the JavaScript 'pop-up' games.
To download the February '02 Open Sicilian games directly in PGN form here: 
Richter-Rauzer [B60 to B69]
Lets start with some Rauser action.
We're gonna round up the usual suspects and have a look at Paramos Dominguez-Palac [B67]. GM Palac has scored well since borrowing Kozul's 12...Ra7!?. In this game White went beserk with 18 Nd5? and Black took care of business.
Blehm has been putting up good numbers vs the Rauser of late. Here his victim was American IM Perelshsteyn who gives the 8...h6 line a try [B66]. White used an f3 idea (of course!) and Black's K got into difficulties. Even after all that Black had chances to live,but went astray.
Najdorf [B90 to B99]
The next few games sees some Najdorf activity.
If I faced 6 Bg5 this would be my choice. Nakamura gets an easy game as Vuckovic struggles to find a good plan [B99]. Black's K is safe while White's play is out of focus. Results lately have been heavily in Black's favor.
Another reliable line for Black is the Poisoned Pawn. Other lines such as the Gotenborg or the Polugaevsky while being playable require a great amount of research. (and good nerves as well!)
English Attack [B80 & B90]
Van Wely tests yet another anti-g4 idea, this time vs the English Attack [B90]. 7...h5!? looks like a decent try, but slight changes must be made over 9...Ne5?! and 13...Nc4? when Khalifman dealt out some serious punishment. 9...Qc7 looks alright.
Scheveningen [B80 to B89]
My favorite line vs the Sozin triumphs again!
Belov-Dvoirys sees Black try 9...Be7 [B86], this feels passive to me and indeed White could've gotten an edge. There are several tries that look more "Najdorf like". Getting the Q'side going is one (with an early ...b5) and the super-sharp 9...Nce4 fits the bill.
Classical Sozin/ Two Knights [B56 to B59]
Now we head to Benko System territory with Strelnikov-Sharapov [B57]. This variation has been impressive from Black's point of view and here not suprisingly the second player got a good game. Black lost after missing an obvious trick.
Paulsen/ Taimanov [B40 to B49]
We finish up with a lesson to be learned.
Look at Black's structure after 12...d6 and avoid it like the plague. Zubarev had zero counterplay and A Ivanov (FIDE 2327 not the GM) put him down without difficulty - [B48].
Good Luck everyone! Till next month I wish you all the best!
Fed