Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Part I Model Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Part II The Repertoire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Chapter 1 The reliable Rossolimo: 4.♘c3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Chapter 2 The reliable Rossolimo: 4.e5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Chapter 3 The reliable Rossolimo: 4.♗xc6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Chapter 4 The straightforward Alapin: early deviations . . . . . . 92
Chapter 5 Main line Alapin: 6.♗b5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Chapter 6 A change of language: French Advance 6.♗e2 . . . 115
Chapter 7 The Milner-Barry Gambit: French Advance 6.♗d3 . . 123
Chapter 8 Tight manoeuvring: French Advance 6.a3 . . . . . . . . 129
Chapter 9 The zombie Morra Gambit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Chapter 10 Anglo-Saxon belligerence: Grand Prix Attack 5.♗c4 . 149
Chapter 11 A strategic trick: Grand Prix Attack 5.♗b5 . . . . . . . . . . 157
Chapter 12 Anglo-Saxon desperation: Grand Prix Attack 2.f4 . . 165
Chapter 13 The modest Grand Prix Attack: 2.♗e2 . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Chapter 14 The GPA-Rossolimo hybrid: 4.♗c4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Chapter 15 GPA-Rossolimo Hybrid: 4.♘f3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Chapter 16 Old school: Closed Sicilian with 6.f4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Chapter 17 An empty attack: Closed Sicilian with 6.♗e3 . . . . . 211
Chapter 18 Subtle and snoozy: Closed Sicilian 6.♘ge2 . . . . . . . 215
Chapter 19 Closed Sicilian: odds and ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Chapter 20 Keeping Black guessing: 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♘c3 . . . . . . . 232
Chapter 21 Keeping Black guessing – again: 2.♘c3 ♘c6 3.♘ge2 . . 239

5
 King’s Anti-Sicilians for Black

Chapter 22 Going for Scholar’s Mate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

Chapter 23 The trouble with bishops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Chapter 24 Yes, please: the Wing Gambit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Chapter 25 Life on the edge: 2.a3 and 2.♘a3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Chapter 26 And finally... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

Index of variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

Index of names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Explanation of symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279

6
Introduction
This book is concerned with all the closed variations of the Sicilian
Defence: the Rossolimo, the Alapin, the Grand Prix Attack, the
Closed Sicilian... and so on. In other words, systems where White
does not play an Open Sicilian with 3.d4. Collectively, they have
become known as the ‘Anti-Sicilians’. The repertoire offered here is
based on my decades of experience playing the Sicilian Defence,
with Black and White, and I present the lines with confidence.
I have always loved the dynamism of the Sicilian. However, in my
younger years, I was often frustrated if my opponent declined to
play 3.d4 and instead chose one of the many Anti-Sicilian systems.
With experience, my attitude changed, and I reframed their
decision: my opponents were simply too scared to play into my
sharp Open Sicilian and I had already won a psychological battle.
Besides, I learned over time that the majority of the Anti-Sicilian
lines are harmless to Black.

That said, from comments I have received from players on

Chessable and elsewhere, the Rossolimo (1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗b5)
seems to strike particular fear. It is certainly a sensible opening as
White develops quickly; however, my recommendation of 3...♘f6
takes away much of its sting and is a system that I have found to be
reliable throughout my career.
The Alapin (1.e4 c5 2.c3) is also sound, and while there are several
acceptable lines for Black, I like to play in a straightforward way:
2...e6 and 3...d5, countering in the middle of the board. Black can
often go on the offensive in the middlegame.

As for the rest of White’s systems, in my opinion they aren’t

terribly impressive! The Morra Gambit one can accept with a clear
conscience; the Grand Prix Attack often blows up in White’s face;
the old Closed Sicilian – quite tame.

Be advised, this repertoire is designed for those who intend playing

the Kalashnikov, the Sveshnikov, and other Sicilian variations that
start with 2...♘c6. I am not covering 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 d6.

7
King’s Anti-Sicilians for Black

The book is divided into two parts. In Part I, I have selected 19

Model Games that will help you to get a handle on strategy. Playing
through complete games has always been, for me, the best way
to master an opening, a bit like remembering a tune rather than
attempting to learn individual notes. Once we are familiar with the
melody, it’s easier to understand the counterpoint.

The detailed repertoire can be found in Part II. The introductions

and conclusions to each chapter, as well as the Model Games, will
guide you through which variations are the most important.
I am not expecting anyone to play through the variations in the
repertoire from cover to cover. That would be a laborious exercise
and it might kill your enthusiasm for the opening. You are most
likely to delve into the more obscure parts of the book after you
have played a game and wish to research the theory. Simply trying
out the lines (perhaps in unimportant online games?), with just
a little guidance from the book, is a good way to get to know the
opening.

The chapters here are based on my Chessable course that

was published in February 2023. In the light of comments
and questions, I have revised some lines, changed some
recommendations, and added some completely new variations. For
example: in Chapter 19 I cover 1.e4 c5 2.c4, I examine what happens
if White attempts to play a King’s Indian Attack, and in Chapter 25
I share my thoughts on 2.a3 and 2.♘a3. I have changed a few of
the Model Games (and added a couple more) to reflect my current
thoughts on the lines, but most are the same as in the online
course, with more annotations and explanations.

When selecting opening lines, personal choice plays a great role.

Therefore, in most lines, I offer more than one way to play for Black,
very much in the spirit of Groucho Marx: ‘Those are my principles,
and if you don’t like them... I have others’.

Daniel King
London, August 2024

8
PART I

Model Games
This is where you should begin the book: at the beginning. A
shocking concept, I know.
Before you plough through the details of the variations, I’m
going to show you some games of chess – in their entirety. Of
course, I can’t stop you jumping ahead to look at my repertoire
recommendations if that’s what you prefer. But if I were to teach
you an opening, I wouldn’t start by going through variations line
by line, A121, A122, A123, etc., etc. With that kind of tedious diet, my
students might not come back next week, and I wouldn’t blame
them.

These Model Games provide a guide to the strategy, as well as an

overview of the main variations of each opening system. For each of
these games I have pointed out how they fit in with the repertoire
and highlighted typical themes. Apart from anything else, there are
some very entertaining victories.

In the Kalashnikov book, which preceded (and complements)

this volume, I was able to give snappy names to ideas that were
commonplace throughout the opening, regardless of the variation.
The fixed pawn structure of the Kalashnikov lends itself to clear
themes.
With the Anti-Sicilians, that is far more difficult as there are
many different systems for White, with markedly differing pawn
structures. Nevertheless, where possible, I have done my best to
point out typical ideas, and there is one which has to be highlighted
right from the start.

The positions on the next two pages are taken from chapters
throughout the book.

9
Part I – Model Games

.k.rQ_.r .kR_._.r
_Ii._IiI iI_._IiI
I_N_I_._ .qNbIn._
_.bNs._. _._IsB_.
._.i.j._ .j._.j._
_J_._Jj. jS_J_._.
JlJj._.j .lJ_._Jj
_Mt.dL_T _Mt.dL_T
The Rossolimo Variation The Grand Prix Attack with 5.♗c4

R_.kQb.r Rn.kQb.r
iI_.iIiI iIi.iIiI
._N_.n._ ._._.n._
_.iIs._. _._Is._.
._._.jB_ ._._.jB_
_J_._._. _._._._.
JlJjJ_Jj JjJjJ_Jj
tS_MdL_T tSlMdL_T
The Grand Prix Attack with 5.♗b5 The Grand Prix Attack:
Rossolimo Hybrid

.kR_.b.r .kRq._.r
iI_B_IiI iI_._IiI
._N_In._ ._._In._
q.iIs._. _LbIsB_.
._._Jj._ .n._.j._
_Js._.j. _.s.j._.
JlJj._.j JjJl._Jj
_Mt.dL_T _Mt.d._T
1.e4 c5 2.♗e2 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♘c3

10
 R_BkQb.r RnBk._Nr
iIiNiIiI iI_.iIbI
._._.n._ ._Q_._I_
_._Is._. _.jIs._.
._._.j._ ._._.j._
_._._._. _._._._.
JjJjJ_Jj JjJ_J_Jj
tSlMdL_T tSlMdL_T
1.e4 c5 2.♘c3 ♘c6 3.♘ge2 ♘d4 1.e4 c5 2.b3 ♘c6 3.♗b2 e5

You may have grasped the idea by now.

In the Kalashnikov Sicilian, Black can occasionally play the knight

into the central outpost on d4 with great effect, even if it involves
sacrificing a pawn. In my Kalashnikov book, I called this the Trojan
Horse.
In the Anti-Sicilians, as is clear from the positions above, it is
much easier to play the knight to the outpost because the d-file
is masked by a white pawn on d2 or d3. The marauding knight
is so often a great source of counterplay for Black: one can see
that it attacks c2 and reaches over to look at other key squares.
The beast is so powerful that, sooner or later, White will have to
exchange it off, but that certainly won’t solve all the problems. On
the contrary. Black will probably recapture with the pawn, which
has consequences: there is usually a white knight on c3 which must
move, often to an inconvenient square; there could be tactics down
the a7-g1 diagonal; and the c-file opens so that the c2-pawn may
become a target.

This is another Trojan Horse, and worthy of the name.

Once you are through the gateway of this section of the book,
please go ahead and check the details in each chapter – that will
show you how to play the lines. But first, let’s see why you should
play them.

11
Part I – Model Games

Game 1 3...♘f6
Santosh Gujrathi Vidit 2707 Black immediately brings a
Li Chao 2732 kingside piece into play and
Liaocheng 2018 puts pressure on White’s
centre. The fightback starts
1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗b5 at move 3. White is forced to
decide what to do about the
threat to the e-pawn, and that
R_.kQbNr makes it harder to build a big
iIi.iIiI pawn centre with c3 and d4.
._N_._._ The knight move is the fourth
most popular move (after 3...g6,
_._I_._. 3...e6 and 3...d6), but it has been
._._.jB_ played by many of the world’s
leading players, including
_._._S_. Magnus Carlsen, and outcomes
JjJjJ_Jj are just as good compared
tSlMdL_T to the others. It was part of
my repertoire for most of my
The Sicilian is a dynamic career and I have no doubts in
opening because it immediately championing this variation.
creates an imbalance. But it’s 4.♘c3
still based on classical opening The most popular move.
principles: Black is fighting for 4...g6
central control by using the The policy of rapid kingside
c-pawn, which influences the development continues. If White
d4-square. That’s all well and does nothing, ...♗g7 and ...0-0
good, but since Black starts out will be the next moves.
developing on the queenside, 5.0-0
his kingside development White can also choose to push
is lagging behind. That’s the knight and castle queenside,
something to be aware of in but I believe this gives Black
many Anti-Sicilian variations, but excellent counterattacking
particularly so in the Rossolimo chances: 5.e5 ♘g4 6.♗xc6 dxc6
where White swiftly brings his 7.h3 ♘h6 8.g4 ♗g7 9.d3 0-0
king to safety and can begin to 10.♗f4 f6 11.♕e2 ♘f7, for example.
attack in the centre. My choice The knight returns to the middle,
against the Rossolimo is made and Black’s king position is solid.
with exactly this issue in mind This line is discussed in detail in
and is tackled in the first three the Repertoire (Part II).
chapters of the book. 5...♗g7 6.e5

12
Black does not need to fear this 10...♘f5
pawn push. It is worth asking The knight heads for the
the question, does e4-e5 help outpost on d4.
White’s development? Actually, 11.♘e4 b6 12.♗f4 ♘d4
no! Besides, Black’s knight can
easily re-route.
6...♘g4 .k.rQ_.r
As the e-pawn is under fire, _Ii._IiI
White must exchange off the
bishop for the knight on c6:
I_N_I_._
7.♗xc6 dxc6 _.bNs._.
Recapturing with the d-pawn ._.i.j._
makes it much easier to develop
our queen’s bishop.
_J_._Jj.
8.♖e1 0-0 9.d3 ♘h6 JlJj._.j
_Mt.dL_T
.k.rQb.r The knight hits the outpost
iIi._IiI – mission accomplished. We
._N_In._ are told not to move the same
piece twice in the opening, but
_._._._. once the king is safely castled,
._.i.j._ the knight manoeuvre is an
excellent idea.
sJ_._J_. How should White cope with
JlJj._Jj the Trojan Horse? Exchange it
_Mt.dL_T off, or push it away?
13.c3
The knight continues its Instead, 13.♘xd4 ♕xd4 (13...cxd4
odyssey: it is heading towards with the idea ...c5 and ...♗b7 is
the outpost on d4. This is the also possible, but recapturing
square that sees the most action with the queen causes more
in the Anti-Sicilians. Given half a trouble) 14.c3 ♕d5 with the idea
chance, Black would like to play ...♖d8, putting pressure on the
...♗g4 and exchange on f3: that d3-pawn (Pein-Povah, England
helps to declutter the queenside 4NCL 2016/17).
and the knight would happily 13...♘xf3+ 14.♕xf3 ♗e6
drop on to d4, gaining time You will find this line in the
against the queen. Repertoire. There are no real
10.h3 weaknesses in Black’s position,
Prudent. and while the e5-pawn gives

13
Part I – Model Games

White a little space, its advance reaching the d4 outpost and

means that Black can often causing trouble on move 12.
use the f5- and d5-squares, 23.♖d2
and there is always pressure on Black cannot take on d3
the d-file. That is often Black’s because of the pin, but the
source of counterplay in this line. d-pawn is not running away; it is
15.♕e3 ♕d5 a chronic weakness.
A provocative move, inviting 23...g5
White to push the queen away. This pawn move ensures that the
15...♕d7, followed by ...♖fd8 and bishop remains on an excellent
...a5, is also a good option. diagonal, and introduces the
16.c4 ♕d7 17.♗h6 ♖fd8 18.♗xg7 idea of ...g4, opening up the
♔xg7 19.♖ad1 ♕d4 kingside. Black can get away with
advancing the pawn in front of
the king as the bishop and queen
.k.rR_._ connect with the kingside.
_Ii._.iI
I_.qI_._ .k.r._._
_._NdI_. _Ii.r.iI
._.i.j._ Iq._In._
_J_L_Jj. _._.dI_.
JmJj._.j .jLi.j._
_._.t._T j._._Jj.
Now we can see why it was .mJjT_.j
pleasant for Black to provoke c4: _._._._T
the d4-square can be occupied.
After the exchange of queens, 24.♕f3
Black can recapture with the After this, Black takes the
rook and double on the d-file. initiative. White should have
20.♕g5 tried 24.♘e2 ♕h4 25.♕f3 (if
White attempts to stir up 25.♕xh4, then 25...gxh4 and
trouble on the kingside. the endgame is good for Black
20...♖d7 21.♘c3 as there is great pressure on
The knight has to fall back to the d3-pawn) 25...♗g6 and
cover the queenside pawns. it is complicated: 26.♕xc6
21...h6 22.♕g3 ♗f5 ♖ad8 27.♘c1 g4 28.hxg4 ♕xg4
The pressure on the d-file is the 29.♖e3 ♖d4. Black has decent
direct result of the black knight compensation for the pawn.

14
24...♕f4 25.♕xf4 manoeuvring the knight to the
25.♕d1 is a better try, although d4-square induced White into
25...g4 is messy and I can playing c3, which weakened the
understand why Vidit didn’t d-pawn – which eventually fell,
want to go down this route. and Black converted smoothly.
Once the g-file is open, the rook
could move to g8 and the king Game 2
steps over to h7. Sergey Karjakin 2694
25...gxf4 Veselin Topalov 2769
The d-pawn is about to fall. Bilbao World Cup blindfold 2007
26.♘e2 ♖xd3 27.♖xd3 ♗xd3
28.♘xf4 ♗xc4 29.b3 ♗d5 In the previous game we saw
With an extra pawn and good Vidit pushing e4-e5 and castling
control in the centre, Black has a kingside. With the pawn on e5 Li
technically winning position. Chao was able to use the f5- and
30.♖d1 e6 31.♘h5+ ♔g6 32.g4 a5 d5-squares to gain counterplay.
In this game, Karjakin decides on
a different policy: he keeps the
.k._R_._ pawn on e4, maintaining a solid
_.i._._I central pawn chain, making it
I_._._I_ more difficult for Topalov to find
counterplay through the middle.
_I_._._. He then castles queenside and
N_.iLj.j sets in train a kingside attack.
1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗b5 ♘f6
jM_J_Jj. 4.♘c3 g6 5.♗xc6
._J_._._
_._._._T R_.kQb.r
That’s it: the queenside pawn iIi.iIiI
mass decides.
33.♘f6 a4 34.h4 axb3 35.axb3
._N_.n._
♗xb3 36.♖d6 ♗d5 37.f4 ♔g7 _._I_._.
38.♔f2 b5 39.♔e3 b4 40.♖d7 ._._.j._
♖b8 41.f5 b3 42.♘xd5 cxd5
43.fxe6 b2 44.♖xf7+ ♔g8 0-1
_Js._B_.
J_JjJ_Jj
I like this game because t.lMdL_T
strategy flows consistently from
the opening through into the By eliminating the knight, White
middlegame and endgame: prevents Black from moving it to

15
Part I – Model Games

the d4 outpost – but the other 10...♕d6

knight can still dream of getting The e-pawn needed defending,
there... but in any case, the queen moves
5...dxc6 up the board to an active square.
That’s the way to recapture: the 11.♗xg7 ♔xg7 12.0-0-0
bishop can come into play and
Black looks for counterplay on
the semi-open d-file. R_._Rk._
6.h3 _Ii.qIiI
Normally I dislike these little
pawn moves at the side of the
I_N_In._
board, but as Black is a little _._I_._.
cramped and would therefore ._.j.j._
like to exchange pieces,
preventing ...♗g4 is a good idea.
_Js.dJj.
6...♗g7 7.d3 0-0 JmJ_._.j
_.t._L_T
R_.kQb.r With kings on opposite wings,
_Ii._IiI play is sharper. But in practice,
I_N_In._ Black, with his solid control in
the centre and sensible king
_._I_._. position, has fared well.
._._.j._ 12...a5
Don’t mess around, shove the
_Js._J_. pawn down the board.
JlJj._Jj 13.g4
_Mt.dL_T Game on!
13...a4
Black’s king is tucked away and Once this pawn reaches a3,
the middlegame can begin. White’s king will always feel a
8.♗e3 b6 9.♕d2 e5 shiver of fear.
If White declines to push e4-e5, 14.♘e2
then Black should claim the Blocking the a-pawn doesn’t
space in the centre. This position help matters: 14.a3 b5 and the
is discussed in the Repertoire: b-file opens rapidly.
10.♘xe5 can be met by 10...♘xe4 14...♖a7
and Black is fine. Topalov finds an unusual plan
10.♗h6 which turns out well, but
By exchanging bishops, White is Black can also play in a more
hoping to weaken Black’s king. straightforward way: 14...b5

16
15.♘g3 b4 16.♕g5 ♖e8 17.♘d2 17.♕c3
a3, Shirov-Leko, Dortmund A waste of time – this was a
2002, and Black went on to blindfold game and Karjakin
win. Straightforward and sound obviously ‘overlooked’ Topalov’s
strategy from Leko. idea.
15.♘g3 ♖e7 Instead, 17.♖dg1 is more
consistent, but Black gets
counterplay with 17...a3 18.b3 f6.
R_._Rk._ There are weak squares on the
_.i.qIiI f-file that Black can exploit.
InN_I_._ 17...♘c7
The knight continues its journey.
_I_I_._J 18.♖df1
._.j.j._ Karjakin is worried about the
...f6 break, but putting the rook
_Js.dJj. on such a passive square is an
JmJt._._ indication that things have gone
_.t._L_. wrong for White.
18...♘b5 19.♕d2 a3
Why has Topalov played like A key idea in this system: the
this? The e-pawn sometimes a-pawn creates a weakness
needs protection, and if White around White’s king, adding to
goes all in on the kingside, the the strength of Black’s counter-
rook can sometimes be a useful attack.
defender on the seventh rank. 20.b3 f6 21.c4
16.g5 Instead, 21.gxf6+ ♖xf6 22.♘e1
It is always worth considering ♕d4 leaves White in trouble.
the sacrifice 16.♘f5+ gxf5 21...♘d4
17.gxf5. At first glance it
looks quite frightening, but
Black is very solid: 17...♘g8! R_R_.k._
(a common defensive move _.i.q._I
in such positions: the knight
covers the h6- and f6-squares
InN_I_Ij
and complements the king _._IsI_.
beautifully) 18.♖hg1+ ♔h8 19.♖g4 .i.j.j._
f6. Black has covered all the
potential entry squares and is
_Jj.dJj.
safe on the kingside. Jm.t._._
16...♘e8 _.t._L_.
Where is that knight heading?

17
Part I – Model Games

The Trojan Horse! This is very counterplay so often outweighs

often the knight’s destination in White’s kingside assault. It is
this variation of the Rossolimo, usually worthwhile punting
although it gets there via the a-pawn down the board,
different routes: ...♘g8-f6-g4- creating weaknesses for the
h6-f5-d4; ...♘g8-f6-d5-c7-e6-d4; queen (and sometimes knight)
and in this game via b5. to explore. Topalov showed that
22.gxf6+ ♖xf6 Black can even take the initiative
White is collapsing on the f-file, on the kingside as g4 weakened
the d-file and the queenside. squares on the f-file. And always
23.♘e1 ♘f3 24.♕e3 ♘xe1 25.♖xe1 watch out for the chance to
♖ef7 26.♖hg1 ♖f3 27.♘h5+ ♔h8 plant a Trojan Horse on the
28.♕h6 outpost: it can cause havoc.

Game 3
.r.r.k._ Lothar Vogt 2505
_.i._._I Daniel King 2535
I_T_I_Ij Winterthur 1996

_._I_I_. My recommendation against

N_.j.j._ the Alapin of 1.e4 c5 2.c3 e6,
examined in Chapters 4-8 of
qJ_.dJj. the Repertoire, often leads to
J_T_._._ Isolated Queen’s Pawn (IQP)
m._._L_. positions, so I’m featuring that
structure in the next three
Naturally, one always has games.
to watch out for the attack I have always been happy to play
on the kingside, but Black’s with the IQP as it gives chances
communications are so good to attack from a sound basis.
that there is no danger. How often can you say that
28...♕xd3 29.♖e3 ♖xe3 30.fxe3 when playing with Black? I was
♕c3+ 31.♔d1 ♕a1+ 0-1 pleased with my performance
If 32.♔e2, then 32...♕b2+ 33.♔d1 in this game as I maintained the
♕b1+ 34.♔d2 (34.♔e2 ♕c2+ initiative throughout, until my
35.♔e1 ♕f2+ and so on) 34...♖f2+ opponent finally cracked.
35.♔c3 ♕c2 mate. 1.e4 c5 2.c3 e6 3.♘f3
3.d4 d5 4.exd5 exd5 is the usual
I always like it when my move-order, but we quickly
opponent castles queenside transpose to the main line.
in these lines, as Black’s 3...d5 4.exd5 exd5 5.d4 ♘c6

18
Part II – The Repertoire

CHAPTER 3

The reliable Rossolimo: 4.♗xc6

1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗b5 ♘f6

R_.kQbNr
iIi.iIiI
._N_._._
_._I_._.
._._.jB_
_.s._S_.
JjJjJ_Jj
t.lMdL_T
4.♗xc6
This exchange fixes the pawn structure for some time to come, and,
from Black’s viewpoint, I rather like that: in such cases, strategy
is easier to determine. In terms of popularity, 4.♗xc6 comes in at
roughly equal second along with 4.e5 (behind 4.♘c3 in top position).
The exchange has recently become quite trendy as 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3
♘c6 3.♗b5 g6 4.♗xc6 was in vogue for a while and these variations
often transpose.
Yet I would go as far to suggest that in this case, after 3...♘f6,
the immediate exchange on c6 is inaccurate. Why? Because
after 4.♗xc6 dxc6 5.d3 Black is not obliged to play 5...g6 but has
the option to develop with 5...♗g4, a continuation that has been
championed by some serious players, Dmitry Andreikin and Sergei
Zhigalko, among others. For example, 6.♘bd2 ♘d7 7.h3 ♗h5 8.0-0
e5 9.♘c4 f6 10.a4 ♗e7 11.b3 ♘f8 12.♗e3 ♘e6 (Ter Sahakyan-Andreikin,
Chess.com blitz 2023). Once again, Black’s knight swings round
to the beautiful e6-square, looking at the outposts on d4 and
f4. Black’s set-up is ambitious, taking control of the centre and
seizing the initiative. White does not need to play so cooperatively;
nevertheless, this is a decent system for Black.
So why am I not recommending 4.♗xc6 dxc6 5.d3 ♗g4...? Why
am I still recommending 4.♗xc6 dxc6 5.d3 g6 as the main line? For

84
 Chapter 3 – The reliable Rossolimo: 4.♗xc6

the simple reason that White can delay the exchange, as in Chapter
1: 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗b5 ♘f6 4.♘c3 g6 5.♗xc6 dxc6 etc., and ...g6 is
on the board. Because of this potential transposition, I am sticking
with 4.♗xc6 dxc6 5.d3 g6 as my recommendation here. Besides, the
kingside fianchetto is a respectable continuation.
Before we carry on with the main lines, let’s briefly consider a
couple of rare fourth-move alternatives.
First, 4.♕e2. I have never faced this. Committing the queen at
such an early stage seems curious, but it is hardly a blunder. Black
could play 4...g6, with similar strategy as in the main lines, but there
is also 4...e5, which Gukesh employed effectively in this game: 5.0-0
♗d6 6.c3 0-0 7.d3 a6 8.♗a4 h6 9.a3 b5 10.♗b3 ♖e8 11.♘bd2 ♗f8
12.♖e1 d5. This is like a Ruy Lopez where Black has magically gained
a handful of extra moves. With the queen on e2, White has less
flexibility to react to Black’s bold central advances.
Second, 4.d3. A Chessable contributor asked about this move,
and here is the answer. Black has 4...♕a5+! 5.♘c3 ♘d4 (forcing the
bishop to a poor square) 6.♗c4 b5 7.♗b3 ♘xb3 8.cxb3 b4 9.♘a4 e6
and Black, with the two bishops and a healthy pawn structure, has
the more promising position.
Now – let’s get stuck into the main stuff.

R_.kQbNr
iIi.iIiI
._N_._._
_._I_._.
._._.j._
_.s._B_.
JjJjJ_Jj
t.lMdL_T
4...dxc6
As usual, we should recapture with the d-pawn to free the queen’s
bishop.
5.d3 g6
As mentioned above, 5...♗g4 is an alternative that is worth
exploring.
6.h3

85
Part II – The Repertoire

This prevents Black from playing the bishop to g4 and, later on,
after White plays ♗e3, ...♘g4 is also excluded.
6...♗g7 7.♘c3
If you put this into an openings database, you will notice that this
position has been reached in more than 3,000 games. Yes, we are
back in a main line that commonly arises from this move-order: 1.e4
c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗b5 g6 4.♗xc6 dxc6 5.d3 ♗g7 6.h3 ♘f6 7.♘c3.
So why don’t we follow this move-order as Black? Because if we
play 3...g6, apart from 4.♗xc6, there is a whole universe to explore
with 4.0-0 ♗g7 5.c3 followed by d4. That’s not easy to handle, and
that’s what we are avoiding by playing 3...♘f6.
7...0-0 8.♗e3 b6

R_.kQ_.r
_Ii._IiI
I_NbIn._
_._I_._.
._._.j._
_Js._Jj.
JlJj._.j
_Mt.dL_T
This is a dividing point. White should decide whether to castle
kingside with either A) 9.0-0 or B) 9.a4, or castle queenside with
C) 9.♕d2, etc.

86
 Chapter 3 – The reliable Rossolimo: 4.♗xc6

A) 9.0-0 10...♘e8

.kR_Q_.r .kR_._.r
_Ii._IiI _Ii.qIiI
I_NbIn._ I_NbIn._
_._I_._. _._I_._.
._._.j._ ._.j.j._
_Js._Jj. _J_._Jj.
JlJj._.j JlJ_._.j
_Mt.dL_T _MtSdL_T
This is much milder than The knight begins its journey
castling queenside. Black to the outpost on d4. This
occupies the centre and is very is a key manoeuvre in the
comfortable: whole variation with 3...♘f6. In
9...e5 previous chapters we have seen
An important move, staking a the knight hopping around
claim in the centre of the board. via ...♘g4-h6-f5-d4 and from
10.♕d2 ...♘d5-c7-e6-d4, and now there
If 10.♘xe5 ♘xe4 11.♘xe4 ♗xe5, is a new route.
the position is roughly level. 11.♘h2
A contributor to Chessable White gets ready to play f4
suggested 10.a4, a typical move with some kingside initiative.
for these positions. One of the But Black’s position is quite
points is that 10...a5 transposes strong enough to withstand the
to a line recommended by IM assault.
Alex Banzea (9.a4) where White Instead, 11.♗h6 threatens to
plays 11.♘xe5 ♘xe4 12.♘xe4 ♗xe5 exchange and then capture on
13.♖e1, and I agree with him e5, though Black is well set up
that the latent weakness of the to counter: 11...f6 (covering the
pawns on b6 and c6 gives White e5-pawn) 12.♘h2 g5! (a bold
some advantage. But there is thrust, forcing the exchange
no need to allow this. Instead, of bishops and preventing
I recommend 10...♕e7, with the White from breaking with f4; if
idea 11.a5 b5. One plan here is White is careless, Black will take
the transfer of the knight to e6: the initiative on the kingside)
...♘f6-e8-c7-e6. The d4-square 13.♗xg7 ♘xg7. Black follows up
beckons. with ...♗e6 and ...h5, maintaining

87
Part II – The Repertoire

a strong position in the middle B) 9.a4

and looking to break on the
kingside.
11...♘c7 R_.kQ_.r
The knight continues the _Ii._Ii.
journey to d4.
12.f4
I_NbIn._
The break has to be played now _._I_._I
before the black knight arrives ._._.j._
on e6.
12...exf4
_Js._Jj.
JlJj._.j
.kR_._.r _Mt.dL_T
nI_.qIiI A solid choice, recommended by
I_.bIn._ IM Alex Banzea in his Chessable
course. White intends to press
_.jI_._. gently on the queenside. From
._._.j._ Black’s viewpoint, it is clear
that White no longer intends to
_J_._Jj. castle queenside, so the game
JlJ_.s.j is turning into a slow positional
_Mt.dL_T struggle. We could leave the
a-pawn to run, but I prefer the
Exchanging prevents White security of blocking:
from establishing a spearhead 9...a5 10.0-0 ♘e8
with f5 and opens the diagonal The knight sets off for d4, via
for the bishop on g7. c7-e6. This is stronger than
13.♗xf4 c4 10...e5 as given by Banzea.
Black attacks the pawn chain
c2/d3/e4, distracting White .kR_Q_.r
from the kingside. This pawn
break weakens the d3-pawn
_Ii._Ii.
and brings the c8-bishop into I_NbIn._
play. White should not take: _._I_._I
14.dxc4 ♕xd2 15.♗xd2 ♗e6 16.b3
♖ad8 17.♗e1 b5 gives Black
._._.j.j
tremendous play. _J_._Jj.
14.♖ad1 cxd3 15.cxd3 ♘e6 JlJj._._
The knight will land on d4 and
Black can be content. _MtSdL_T
88
 Chapter 3 – The reliable Rossolimo: 4.♗xc6

11.e5 Instead, 14.♖fe1 f4 15.♗xg7 ♔xg7,

This prevents Black from playing and later Black can consider ...g5
the pawn to e5, but it weakens with a kingside pawn roller.
the f5- and d5-squares. 14...exf6 15.♖ae1 ♖a7
Instead, 11.♕d2 leads to similar
positions to earlier variations
after 11...e5 (this occurs in .kRr._._
another variation, but this _Ii.qIi.
time with the inclusion of 9.a4
a5. Black intends to swing
I_N_In._
the knight to e6, but another _._._._I
possibility appears: the queen’s ._._.j.j
rook can join the struggle via
a7) 12.♗h6 f6. Black threatens to
bJjS_Jj.
play ...g5, taking the initiative on Jl._._.t
the kingside. _Mt.dL_.
11...♘c7 12.♕d2 ♘e6 13.♗h6
This is one of the advantages of
9...a5: the rook comes into play
.kR_._.r without having to move the
_Ii.qIi. bishop on c8.
I_N_In._ 16.h4 ♖e7
Black follows up by doubling
_._._._I rooks on the e-file and it is hard
._.i.j.j to imagine how White can make
headway against such a solid
bJ_S_Jj. set-up.
JlJj._._
_Mt.dL_T C) 9.♕d2

Here, 13...♘d4 is solid; however, R_.k._.r

there is another option that
keeps more tension.
_Ii.qIiI
13...f5 I_NbIn._
This presents White with a _._I_._.
dilemma. Exchange pawns?
Exchange bishops? Keep the ._._.j._
bishops? There is a delicate _Js._Jj.
strategic balance at work here.
14.exf6
JlJj._.j
The safest move for White. _Mt.dL_T
89
Part II – The Repertoire

Preparing to castle queenside. Defending the e-pawn and

With kings on opposite wings, clearing the back rank.
the play sharpens. You will 11.0-0-0
find over 1000 games in the Castling queenside raises the
database that start from this stakes. With kings on opposite
position: for a time, around the sides of the board it is much
turn of the millennium, this was easier for both sides to attack.
the most popular way to play Instead of this, Karjakin-Topalov,
the Rossolimo for White, but Bilbao 2007, continued 11.♗xg7
once the best way to create ♔xg7 12.0-0-0 a5 13.g4 a4 –
counterplay was discovered, the which you can find in the Model
big guys left the line behind. Games section.
9...e5 11...b5 12.g4 a5
Staking a claim in the centre.
Disregarding the potential
attacks, it is hard to imagine R_._Rk._
why White should have any _.i.qIiI
advantage here.
10.♗h6
I_N_In._
Exchanging off the defending _I_I_._.
bishop on g7 is an essential part ._.j.jJj
of White’s plans to attack the
kingside.
bJs.dJ_.
10.0-0 would lead to positions JlJ_._._
considered above and 10.0-0-0 _Mt._L_T
♕d6 11.♗h6 will transpose to our
main line. The plan is direct: advance the
Only a handful of players a- and b-pawns to open lines
have gone for 10.♘xe5, mainly on the queenside. Practice has
because the position burns out shown that Black’s chances are
very quickly: 10...♘xe4 11.♘xf7 not worse than White’s and that
(11.♘xc6 ♘xd2 12.♘xd8 ♘c4 is backed up by the computer’s
13.dxc4 ♖xd8 and 11.♘xe4 ♗xe5 assessment.
are both level) 11...♘xd2 12.♘xd8 M.Socko-Antipov, Abu Dhabi
♘c4 13.dxc4 ♖xd8 14.f3 ♗f5 2019, continued 13.♗xg7 ♔xg7
15.♖c1 ♗e6 16.♔f2 ♗xc4. The 14.♕g5 ♖e8 15.♘e2 a4 16.♘h4 b4
bishop pair is an asset, but in 17.♘g3 ♔h8 18.♖hf1 ♘g8 19.♘f3
this simplified position a draw is h6 20.♕e3 ♗e6. Having beaten
likely. off White’s attack, the initiative
10...♕d6 swung over to Black.

90
 Chapter 3 – The reliable Rossolimo: 4.♗xc6

Conclusion
White has the option to exchange on c6 in various positions; for
example, 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗b5 ♘f6 4.♗xc6 or 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3
♘c6 3.♗b5 ♘f6 4.♘c3 g6 5.♗xc6 or 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.♗b5 ♘f6
4.e5 ♘d5 5.♘c3 ♘c7 6.♗xc6. All slightly different, and it is worth
noting the nuances of each. Is White’s pawn on e4 or e5? Does
White intend castling kingside or queenside? Sometimes it is
possible for Black to claim ground in the centre with ...e5. Very often
the knight manoeuvre to the outpost on d4 is appropriate – via one
route or another.
At first glance, it might seem frightening when White castles long
and goes for a kingside attack, but Black’s king position is solid and
the counterattack on the queenside is straightforward and strong.
As with many of the variations after 3...♘f6, an understanding of
the main themes will often be more useful than learning variations
by rote, considering that the move-order is so flexible. In the end,
you should have confidence that Black’s position is essentially
sound.

91
Part II – The Repertoire

CHAPTER 16

Old school: Closed Sicilian with 6.f4

1.e4 c5 2.♘c3 ♘c6 3.g3

RnBkQb.r
i.i.iIiI
.i._.n._
_._I_._.
._._.j._
_._._S_.
JjJjJ_Jj
tSlMdL_T
This modest pawn move signals the start of the Closed Sicilian –
with capital letters. In other words, this is a specific branch of the
general category of closed variations against the Sicilian.
When played by Vasily Smyslov or Boris Spassky, this could be a
serious weapon; when played by everyone else, it was often insipid.
These days, one rarely sees the opening ventured by the world’s top
players: Black’s responses are well worked out; the positions are too
stable; and Black often has more than one good way to respond, so
there is very little jeopardy.
3...g6
As in many Anti-Sicilian variations, the central squares d4 and e5 are
of great importance, so the fianchetto is appropriate.
4.♗g2 ♗g7
Black’s strong control over the d4-square makes it difficult for
White to launch a meaningful kingside attack.
5.d3
White can also play 5.f4 or 5.♘ge2, but these moves will inevitably
transpose into one of the lines here or in the next chapters.
5...d6
This is the most flexible move: we know that the d-pawn will always
move to d6, but it isn’t yet clear where the e-pawn belongs: e6 or e5?
First, we see how White commits.

204
 Chapter 16 – Old school: Closed Sicilian with 6.f4

6.f4

Rn.kQb.r
iB_._IiI
.i._In._
_.iI_._.
._._.j._
_J_.jS_.
JlJj._Jj
tS_MdL_T
This is the most brazen way of playing for White. If the pawn can be
forced through to f5, then there is some chance of an attack, but
Black can prevent that easily. Occasionally, White may be able to
play e5 to break open the centre. But more often than not, these
pawn thrusts do more harm than good, weakening the squares
behind them. In the next chapters, I will consider 6.♗e3 (Chapter 17)
and then 6.♘ge2 (Chapter 18).

205
Part II – The Repertoire

6...e6 for those that take an interest

The pawn makes room for in the digits. It is reassuring to
the knight and the process think that White will do well to
of containing White’s f-pawn equalise from the opening (with
begins. the proviso that Black plays
I would not recommend playing accurately).
6...e5 as 7.♘h3 ♘ge7 8.0-0 0-0 9.♗e3
9.f5 begins a strong attack and This is by far the most popular
this rightly has a very good move at this juncture. The
reputation for White. As usual in bishop covers the d4-square.
the Anti-Sicilian variations where What about 9.g4...? The pawn
White advances the f-pawn, we storm begins – but actually
should attempt to blockade it it ends rather quickly. White
on f4. is determined to attack on
7.♘f3 ♘ge7 the kingside, but this is too
Notice that four of Black’s much. Black is perfectly set
pieces are directed towards up to counter this ill-judged
the f5-square: it will be difficult aggression: 9...f5.
for White to advance the
f-pawn further. Developing
the knight on e7 also ensures .kR_Qb.r
that the fianchettoed bishop is iB_._IiI
unimpeded and continues to
control the d4-square.
._N_In._
8.0-0 0-0 _IiI_._.
._J_.j._
.kR_Qb.r _J_JjS_.
iB_._IiI Jl.s._Jj
.iN_In._ _Mt.dL_T
_.iI_._. This is the key move, ensuring
._._.j._ that the f4-pawn is nailed down.
That means the bishop on c1 is
_J_JjS_. blocked in, not to mention the
JlJs._Jj f1-rook. If 10.exf5 exf5 – make
_Mt.dL_T sure the pawn on g6 remains in
front of the king. Or 10.gxf5 exf5
Already, strong computers (recapturing with the e-pawn
aren’t particularly impressed by ensures that the g-file stays
White’s position – around -0.20 closed; in this variation White’s

206
 Chapter 16 – Old school: Closed Sicilian with 6.f4

king often suffers later on in the used with some success. In any
game as it lacks pawn cover) case, I prefer 9...b6.
11.♗e3 (it is about time that I am examining three main
White developed the queen’s moves:
bishop) 11...b6 (Black has many A) 10.♗f2
options at this point: 11...♘d4, B) 10.♕d2
11...♔h8, etc., but bolstering the C) 10.d4
c-pawn and playing the bishop
to the long diagonal makes A) 10.♗f2
good practical sense) 12.♕e1 ♗b7
13.♕h4 ♕d7. We are following
Salcedo Tornero-Rojo Huerta, .kR_Q_.r
Madrid 2010, which you can find iBb._IiI
in the Model Games section.
Black’s position is rock-solid and
.iN_In._
it is instructive to see how he _.iI_._.
steadily takes control. ._._.j._
_J_JjSj.
.kR_Q_.r JlJs._.j
iB_._IiI _Mt.dL_T
.iNbIn._ This pre-empts the pawn push
_.iI_._. ...d5. If 10...d5, White can play
._._.j._ 11.e5, establishing a decent
French pawn structure. But the
_J_JjS_. other advance is appropriate:
JlJs._Jj 10...e5
_Mt.dL_T With this, Black gets more of a
grip on the centre. It works here
9...b6 because of the poor position
The bishop prepares to get into of the bishop on f2, making it
the game, sometimes via a6, difficult for White to gain play on
sometimes via b7. The b6-pawn the f-file.
also bolsters c5, introducing 11.♕d2 ♘d4
another potential strategy – As is so often the case in the
advancing with ...d6-d5. By the Closed Sicilian (and throughout
way, the old move was 9...♘d4, the variations in this book), if the
which is fine, although Black knight can successfully land on
needs to be aware of 10.e5, the d4-square, then Black has
which Spassky, and a few others, few difficulties.

207
Part II – The Repertoire

12.♘xd4 cxd4 the threat, but none of them is

Recapturing with the c-pawn promising:
allows Black to exert pressure 11.exd5
down the c-file. This is the most popular move,
13.♘e2 ♗e6 although I fail to see why. White
A solid square for the bishop. gives up the centre for no
14.c3 apparent reason.
Necessary in order to counter Then again, 11.♗f2, stepping
Black’s play on the c-file. away from the threat of 11...d4,
14...dxc3 15.bxc3 ♖c8 allows Black a very pleasant
Black’s pieces are more flexibly endgame: 11...dxe4 12.dxe4
placed than White’s. The queen (White should not play 12.♘xe4
will move to d7, making ...♗h3 as the b2-pawn hangs) 12...♕xd2
an option to weaken White’s 13.♘xd2 e5 (this is an important
kingside. After that, the pawn move, preventing White from
breaks ...f5 and ...d5 come into advancing to e5) 14.♖fe1 ♗a6.
consideration. Black’s bishops streak across
the board and the knight is
B) 10.♕d2 preparing to leap into d4.
11...exd5 12.♗f2 d4
With this move Black gains a
.kR_._.r pleasant space advantage and
iB_.qIiI the knight is driven to a poor
.iNbIn._ square.
13.♘e4 f5 14.♘eg5 h6 15.♘h3
_.iI_._. ♗e6 16.♖fe1 ♗d5
._._.j._
_J_JjSj. .k.r._.r
JlJs._.j iBb.qIiI
_Mt.dL_T NiN_I_._
Seemingly sensible develop­ _.i.j._.
ment, but it runs into a big shot: ._J_Lj._
10...d5!
Now that the c5-pawn is
jJ_._Sj.
protected, this central reaction .l.s._.j
is possible. It’s a disruptive _Mt.d._T
move as it contains a threat:
11...d4, winning a piece. White We are following the game
has a number of ways to meet Schlichtmann-Manakov,

208
 Chapter 16 – Old school: Closed Sicilian with 6.f4

Germany team championships cxd4 15.♕xd4 ♗a6 (the bishop

2017/18. Compare Black’s minor slashes across the board,
pieces with White’s, struggling gaining time against the rook)
for space. Black eventually won 16.♖f2 ♕c8 (the queen prepares
in an endgame by advancing to move to c5 and makes way
the pawns on the queenside for the king’s rook) 17.♖d2 ♕c5.
and forcing a breakthrough. The next moves could be ...♖fc8
and ...♗f8. Black stands better.
C) 10.d4 The plan is clear: advance
the queenside pawns and
squeeze on the c-file. Normally
.kR_Q_.r in the French, White relies on
iB_._IiI a kingside attack, but that is
.iNb.n._ impossible to generate here.
11...♘f5
_.iIi._.
._._.j._ .kR_Q_.r
_J_JjSj. iB_._IiI
JlJs._.j .iNb.n._
_Mt.dL_T _.i.i._.
This advance appears dangerous ._S_Ij._
as exchanging would expose the
d6-pawn. But instead, Black has
_J_J_Sj.
an excellent counter: JlJ_._.j
10...d5 _Mt.dL_T
A disturbing move for White to
meet. It is also possible to play That’s the clever idea: the
10...cxd4 11.♘xd4 ♘xd4 12.♗xd4 e3-bishop is loose, as well as the
e5. pawn on d4.
11.exd5 12.♗f2
The best move. Instead: Stepping away from lots of
1) If 11.dxc5?, 11...d4 wins a piece; tactics. Alternatively, 12.♕d2
2) 11.e5 results in a French cxd4 13.dxc6 ♘xe3 is rather nice
Defence pawn structure which for Black.
is favourable to Black: 11...♘f5 12...♘cxd4
12.♗f2 ♘fxd4 (by exchanging on The knight lands on the d4
d4, Black manages to exchange outpost, supported by pawn,
off the important dark-squared knight and bishop.
bishop) 13.♘xd4 ♘xd4 14.♗xd4 13.♘e5

209
Part II – The Repertoire

13.♘xd4 would be a mistake: Black as White’s kingside is so

13...cxd4 14.♘b5 ♗a6 15.a4 exd5, vulnerable. Instead, 15.♗g2 is
when Black has strong pieces more prudent and then Black
and is a pawn up. follows up with 15...♖c8.
13...exd5 14...♗b7
Attacking the knight in the
middle. 14...♗e6 is also playable.
.kR_Q_.r 15.c4
iBb._IiI Supporting the knight is best.
.i._.n._ Instead, 15.♘f6+ ♕xf6 16.♗xb7
♖ad8 is more pleasant to play
_.i.s._. for Black than for White.
._SnJj._ 15...♕d6
The recommended computer
_J_._.j. move, putting pressure on
JlJ_._.j the e5-knight. The position
_Mt.dL_T is complex, but the strongly
placed knight on d4 and the
14.♘xd5 well-placed bishops on g7
Instead, 14.♗xd5 was suggested and b7 give Black grounds for
by a Chessable contributor. optimism. Compare the two
14...♗e6 is a good reply, begging kings: with the f-pawn rooted
White to take the rook: 15.♗xa8? to its starting square, Black’s is
♕xa8 is a dream scenario for safer than White’s.

Conclusion
In all the Anti-Sicilian lines where White plays f4, at some point
there will be trouble – but usually for White. Often, the supposed
attack rebounds as White’s king ends up more exposed than
Black’s.
Knowing which centre pawn to push is perhaps the most difficult
for Black to judge. Should it be the d-pawn, the e-pawn, or the
f-pawn? Generally, if White plays g4 and it is looking as though f5 is
coming, then you should blockade with ...f5, as that compromises
White’s kingside (see 9.g4). Against A) 10.♗f2, it is appropriate to
play 10...e5. Against B) 10.♕d2 and C) 10.d4, advancing the d-pawn
with 10...d5 is correct. These different responses highlight the
flexibility of Black’s position.

210