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Beating the Kan Variation with a2-a3 

GM Michael Roiz     March 12, 2025

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Content  (35 Articles)

Introduction and Free Preview  Free
Chapter 1 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 1 - Kan Variation - 5.a3 Qc7 6.c4 - Minor Lines  Closed
Chapter 1 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 2 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 2 - Kan Variation - 5.a3 Qc7 6.c4 - Main line 7...b6  Closed
Chapter 2 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 3 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 3 - Kan Variation - 5.a3 Nf6 6.Nc3 Qc7  Closed
Chapter 3 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 4 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 4 - Kan Variation - 5...Nf6 6.Nc3 d6 7.Be3 Be7  Closed
Chapter 4 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 5 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 5 - Kan Variation - 5...Nf6 6.Nc3 d6 7.Be3 Nc6  Closed
Chapter 5 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 6 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 6 - Kan Variation - 5.a3 Nf6 6.Nc3 d6 7.Be3 b5 Sidelines  Closed
Chapter 6 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 7 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 7 - Kan Variation - 5...Nf6 6.Nc3 d6 7.Be3 b5 Main Lines  Closed
Chapter 7 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 8 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 8 - Kan Variation - 5.a3 Nf6 6.Nc3 d6 7.Be3 - Sidelines  Closed
Chapter 8 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 9 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 9 - Kan Variation - 5.a3 Nf6 6.Nc3 - Minor Lines  Closed
Chapter 9 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 10 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 10 - Kan Variation - 5.a3 b5  Closed
Chapter 10 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 11 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 11 - Kan Variation - 5.a3 - Minor Lines  Closed
Chapter 11 - Memory Booster  Closed
Test Section  Closed

79.00 EUR

Beating the Kan Variation with 5.a3

GM Michael Roiz

Following the success of Beating the Taimanov and Sicilian Four Knights with a2-a3 , GM Michael Roiz completes his comprehensive White repertoire against 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 with a deep dive into the Kan Variation. This second installment provides a strategic yet easy-to-learn system designed to limit Black’s counterplay while keeping White’s plans flexible and practical.

The Power of a2-a3 Against the Kan

The starting position of this course arises after: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.a3

Kan Variation with 5.a3

Once again, the early a2-a3 proves to be a highly effective weapon, restricting Black's typical setups while allowing White to dictate the course of the game.

  • ✔️ Restricts Black’s Piece Play: 5.a3 rules out all ...Bb4-based systems, ensuring more positional control.
  • ✔️ Maximum Flexibility: White remains non-committal, keeping multiple setup options open.
  • ✔️ Surprise Factor: An underestimated yet highly effective move that takes many Kan players out of their comfort zones.

Practical Examples

  • ♟️ 5...Qc7 is met by 6.c4, leading to a Maroczy Bind structure, restricting Black’s pawn breaks.
  • ♟️ 5...Nf6 is answered with 6.Nc3, transposing into Scheveningen-like structures where White enjoys central control.

This approach significantly reduces theoretical workload while ensuring White retains strategic flexibility and long-term pressure against Black’s setup.

What’s Inside?

  • 11 Theoretical Chapters: Covering all major responses to 5.a3.
  • 11 Interactive Test Positions: Reinforce your understanding with practical exercises.
  • Memory Booster: Key takeaways to retain essential ideas effortlessly.
  • Full Video Version: High-quality lessons featuring in-depth explanations from GM Roiz.

A Complete White Repertoire Against 2...e6

With the release of this course, GM Michael Roiz has built a complete and practical repertoire for White against all 2...e6 Sicilian systems. Together with Beating the Taimanov and Sicilian Four Knights with a2-a3 , this repertoire offers a low-theory, high-impact approach, allowing you to outmaneuver well-prepared opponents without memorizing endless variations.

Sample Chapter

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Sample Video