Download PGN of February '08 Anti-Sicilian games
c3 Sicilian [B22]
We start with two games where strong players test low-theory lines against 2.c3 with Black. First there is Spence - Wang Yue:
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The Chinese are rising fast in world chess so it is interesting to see how one of their squad plays for a win against lower rated opposition. Wang Yue selects a line that allows White a space advantage, but it does keep the tension.
Our second 2.c3 game is Berelovich - Tiviakov. Black, who is also an expert on the White side of the line, demonstrates a rare move in a well-known position, 9...g6!?:
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It is perfectly sound but the problem, if there is one, is that against sensible play Black may struggle to find winning chances.
The final 2.c3 game is Shaw-Pinter and is another test of the line with 11.Bd2:
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Black avoids the horrors of Goodger-Shaw (see the December update) but without playing the critical line. White had a position that tends towards an edge. Included in the notes is GM David Howell's latest idea for White, 11.Qd3.
Anti-Sveshnikov [B30]
After 2.Nf3 Nc6 avoiding the Sveshnikov is a common reason for choosing an anti-Sicilian. 3.Nc3 is one way and the Rossolimo another.
3.Nc3 as an anti-Sveshnikov is tested in Bartel - Carlsen, where Black chose the solid 3...e5:
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Bartel repeated a line he had used with success before, but Carlsen was ready with a good equalizer.
Bb5 Variations [B31 & 51]
Smirin has a pet line in the Rossolimo that he has played for years. It's still working, as Smirin - Abasov shows:
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but what does he have against Black's critical reply? Smirin has played this many times, which suggests he believes it is sound rather than just a surprise weapon.
Moscow Variation
After 2.Nf3 d6 Chadaev - Akopian shows a sharp way for Black to answer 3.Bb5+, with 7...g5!?:
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Akopian tests an idea suggested by Psakhis. It's not a total success, but there is plenty of room for a creative player to play new positions.
Best wishes, John
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