Play the 2 c3 Sicilian [Paperback]

Eduardas Rozentalis (Author), Andrew Harley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2002

A book that guides readers in how to handle a popular variation of the Sicilian Defence, which is far and away the most popular chess opening. An intimidating body of theory has been developed around the Sicilian's main lines, in which White grants his opponent a central majority which may prove an important factor later on. Many players prefer to avoid the all-or-nothing attacks of the Open Sicilian, turning instead to the positionally sound 2 c3 line. White prepares to seize space and will develop his pieces rapidly to natural squares. Those who specialize in the 2 c3 Sicilian find it to be an excellent point-scorer, as Black has not only objective difficulties to contend with, but also has the psychological problem that he is battling just for equality, with little prospect of taking the initiative.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Gambit Publications specialises in chess and has an unrivalled reputation for originality and editorial excellence. The company is owned and staffed entirely by leading chess masters and grandmasters.

About the Author

Eduardas Rozentalis is a strong grandmaster (best Elo rating 2650) from Lithuania. He is well known as a specialist in various opening systems, notably the 2 c3 Sicilian, that he has played for many years and enriched with many new and imaginative ideas. This is his second chess book. Andrew Harley is a FIDE Master from England who has specialized in the 2 c3 Sicilian for many years. This is also his second chess book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Gambit Publications (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1901983560
• ISBN-13: 978-1901983562
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,172,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First rate - best book on the opening, February 27, 2005

By 

D Owen (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Play the 2 c3 Sicilian (Paperback)

This is both a repertoire book for white, and also a complete guide, written with passion by two authors who are both enthusiastic exponents. It presents an honest and detailed account of the theory of the 2 c3 Sicilian, a line many Sicilian Defense players loathe facing. Obviously anyone taking up the opening with white will require this book, but also players of the black side of the Sicilian will find it required reading, because of the extensive original analysis it contains. Well done Gambit for keeping alive the traditional objective openings book when the search for truth is paramount.

5.0 out of 5 stars overpriced, August 10, 2010

By 

Natalie L Paluck - See all my reviews

This review is from: Play the 2 c3 Sicilian (Paperback)

i bought this book on ebay for 16 dollars. I don't know what universe in which it is worth $150, but no one should have to pay that much for a chess book. If it is really so rare/sought after then the publisher should reprint it. Otherwise, i recommend you check ebay before laying down a car payment for this book.

6 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars hmm, January 12, 2005

By 

Pirc_defense_expert (New England USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Play the 2 c3 Sicilian (Paperback)

whats going on here, this is a gambit book!

I have some problems with the accuracy of the analysis.

p 110 6.dxc5 'this represent s in our opinion the most promising continuations'

thats true if black is not familar with the idea that he must push the kingside pawns almst immediately. but thats not even the point. I expected much more detailed variations, certainly more than just 2 pages! of coverage on something they consider the best try. Really I could have done better with my sister on that part than these two 'experts'..thats not a joke either

page 168

13.qh4 qe2 14.bd2 this is important var. for white from a theoretical point of view to getting the advantage with c3 agaisnt nf6. overall this was very skimpy and the analysis was nothing you couldnt figure out by yourself with even an out of date database.

conclusions: these guys are either saving the good analysis for tournaments (highly likely) or are too lazy to look at the position deeper. You can save you money for the next edition.