Download PGN of September '08 Anti-Sicilian games
Unusual Lines [B20]
Zviagentsev's 2.Na3 and a Short favourite, 2.b3, get a look.
Game 1 is a heavyweight battle in the dreaded Zviagentsev variation by the man himself. White takes his extravagant play a little too far and loses several tempi. When playing White one can take certain liberties. Here White goes too far but still manages to get back into the game. Nevertheless, Black remains calm and then seizes the initiative.
2. b3 has been one of Short's favourite weapons in recent years. It shouldn't really give White anything, but it certainly isn't bad and often leads to original play, see Game 2.
Modern Grand Prix [B23 & B30]
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Both 4...g6 (Game 3) and 4...e6 (Game 4) are examined here.
I think both of these moves are okay for Black but players of the white pieces should not be discouraged - the MGP still leads to interesting, less explored play than many Anti-Sicilian lines.
Rossolimo with 4...e6 [B30]
Black plays the surprisingly popular 5...Qc7 in Game 5:
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This move looks too slow to me after White opens the position with a quick d4.
In Game 6 an odd slip from a top female player leads to a bad endgame. White's play is very instructive.
Rossolimo with 4...g6
I always thought that it was difficult for Black to generate real winning chances in this line. However, Kotronias demonstrates otherwise in a couple of nice games, see Game 7, and Game 8.
Best wishes, David
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