1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 - Repertoire against 3.Bb5 & 3.Nc3
We are happy to present the newest opening course by GM Boris Avrukh - 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 - Repertoire against 3.Bb5 & 3.Nc3.
Against both these options, Avrukh suggests the extremely practical and rare 3...e5!?. For a long period time of time, the entire concept based on ...e7-e5 was considered to be dubious. Recent practice, as well as the modern engines, show that things are far from simple. In this survey, Avrukh manages to improve Black's play in many of the critical positions.
The database includes 13 theoretical chapters, 15 interactive test positions, Video Version, Memory Booster, and Computer Practice.
Below, you can see how the author presents the course himself.
Preview by GM Boris Avrukh
For the Sicilian players, who prefer 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 move order, White's responses 3.Bb5 and 3.Nc3 have always been critical, practically on the level of Open Sicilian. When I used to play Sveshnikov (2006-2008) the variation 3.Nc3 e5 was already established as Black's main choice.
Personally, I was not a big fan due to the vulnerability of the d5-square and rather preferred 3...Nf6 line. Nowadays, when Gelfand and Carslen have been using Sveshnikov as their main opening, including World Championship matches, 3.Nc3 e5 has been developing as well. It appeared to be an extremely reliable choice for Black with complex middlegame positions.
What I like about this specific choice is that this line is independent, meaning it can be played by not only players, who want to play Sveshnikov, or Kalashnikov systems, but also by those, who intend to play other Sicilian variations, whether it's Taimanov, Accelerated Dragon, or Richter-Rauzer. Another important reason is it's the same pawn structure as well as in our Rossolimo variation 3...e5, so it's a good fit for our concept.
In 2021 the game Grandelius-Caruana drew my attention. Shockingly Fabiano met 3.Bb5 (Rossolimo) with 3...e5 move. Moreover, he came up with a new concept 4...Bd6.
In most of the cases, we obtain a similar pawn structure as in 3.Nc3 e5 variation. Right now it looks very fresh and encouraging system, moreover Black avoiding the study of one of the massive theoretical variations, which is required in the main lines 3...g6, e6, and 3...d6. I hope you will enjoy my presentation.
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