How to Play the Sicilian Defense

The move 1...c5 in response to 1. e4 is baffling to beginners. It does nothing to aid the development of the minor pieces, fails to move out a center pawn and is often followed by even more non-developing pawn moves. Many must surely ask, "How is a defense that seems to flout all the opening priciples so often adopted by super-strong players?" They're right: Fischer, Karpov, Kasparov, Spassky, Tal and others have had the Sicilian figure prominently in their repertoires. Levy an O'Connell do an excellent job of outlining strategies for White and Black in this wide-ranging opening (As far as I can tell, only the c3 Sicilian and the odd gambits are ignored). For those rated 1400-1800, this is a good introduction to the opening. For "A" players, this will provide an excellent foundation for deeper research into the opening. Another fine effort from David Levy.* Highly recommended. (*Excepting his, An Opening Repertoire for the Attacking Player, co-authored with Raymond Keene, which is a clinker -- see my review under that title.)

The Sicilian is a bizarre animal: 1...c5 opens no lines for Bishops, prepares no pieces for development and fails to place a center pawn into play. Yet it is Black's most formidable defense to 1. e4. The authors do an excellent job of explaining why and provide ideas for both White and Black in a variety of settings: The Maraczy Bind, Sheveningen, "Little Center", Dragon, ...e5 systems and closed formations are all covered. Only the Morra-Smith gambit (and other lesser gambits) and the c3 Sicilian have been left out. If you are a 1400-1800 player and want to get a handle on the Sicilian, this is the place to start.