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Whats Hot?

Bb5 Sicilian [B51]

David Vigorito wanted to see some games featuring 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 d6 3 Bb5 Nc6 or by transposition 2...Nc6 3 Bb5 d6:

It is a timely reminder that what is important at club level is also played at the very highest level because the first game is Adams - Kasimdzhanov. White is close to victory but Black's resourceful play lands him the win and helps him to gain the title of FIDE World Champion.

The game Westerinen - Bryn sees White trying a side-line and it works wonders.

Pomerleano - Vigorito involves a controversial pawn sacrifice by White on move seven. Black takes the risk but survives the onslaught.

The top class game Vescovi - Movsesian is a closely fought effort but eventually the honours are even.

Star game of the month

The star game of the month is Ianovsky - Merkulova where after the quiet moves 1 e4 c5 2 Nc3 g6 White explodes with 3 h4 and the wild, attacking game really begins:

White ends up winning with a puzzle-like finish.

Opening Survey

The C3 Sicilian [B22]

After 1 e4 c5 2 c3 d5 3 exd5 Qxd5 4 d4 Nf6 5 Nf4 Bg4 White can now play 6 Nbd2:

The first game is Keitlinghaus - Lutz where a high level of play results in a solid draw.

Rahis - Naiditsch sees White trying to something a little bit different but it fails to make a good impression.

Instead Sequera - Ramirez Alvarez sees White play a line recommended in the books and is promptly crushed.

I welcome e-mails and games from subscribers, and you can always write on the Anti-Sicilians Forum.

Gary