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In the 1980s Alexander Filipenko wrote a series of articles extolling the virtues of 1 e4 c5 2 c3 and now 2…e5 to contest the centre. This old line, which had been recommended by Alekhine, Filipenko played in a different style after 3 Nf3 Nc6 4 Bc4 when the key move is 4…Qc7.

The idea is to meet Ng5 with …Nd8 followed by …h6 or …Ne6. This system fluctuates in popularity but recently I have noticed it becoming more popular.

The game Kun-Jamrich is a good example of White going for an all out attack against f7 by playing Bc4, Ng5 and Qb3 but Black easily deflecting the assault.

A different approach is adopted in Filipovic-Markovic where White continues in robust fashion by playing an early f4. In this case it works but there is room for improvements by Black.

The threat of Ng5 is annoying for Black and that makes Westerweede-Kabboord worth a look. White is handed a lead in development by a passive set-up, which includes a premature …h6 by Black, and after just 17 moves records victory.

The early …e5 allows White to adapt a structure similar to the Ruy Lopez. Cau-Collins demonstrates that with accurate play the White initiative is soon stifled.

I have received various e-mails regarding what you would like to see analysed on this page and I wish to add my thanks to Ernest Paul Colding for his comments on the c3 Sicilian. 2…e5 is a viable but relatively obscure alternative for Black so check it out!