Experts on the Anti-Sicilian by Jacob Aagaard & John Shaw (editors)

This Experts on the Anti-Sicilian by Jacob Aagaard & John Shaw is an English-language chess opening book on Anti-Sicilian lines and the modern theory behind them. Edited by Jacob Aagaard and John Shaw, it brings together practical analysis for players who meet 1.e4 c5 and want a clearer way to handle the many systems White uses to avoid main-line Sicilian play.

The Sicilian Defence is one of the most popular openings in chess, which is why the sidelines matter so much. This book looks closely at those Anti-Sicilian systems, with recommendations and analysis aimed at tournament and club preparation as well as repertoire building against the Sicilian Defence.

Several strong grandmaster authors contribute to the volume, giving the book a range of expert perspectives on how to approach these positions from both sides of the board. The result is a theory-led study that stays practical and directly relevant to players who want to understand the opening rather than just memorise a few moves.

What this book covers

Rather than offering a broad survey of the entire opening, this title concentrates on specific Anti-Sicilian variations and the ideas that shape them. It is designed for players who want structured analysis, current opening guidance and a better grasp of the choices that arise after 1.e4 c5 when White sidesteps the main open lines.

If you are building a Sicilian repertoire, this book fits naturally alongside other opening study material from Quality Chess.

Reviews

Reviewers praised the book’s depth of analysis, practical focus and clear organisation, especially for players preparing against the Sicilian Defence.

Key details

• Product type: chess opening book
• Title: Experts on the Anti-Sicilian
• Editors: Jacob Aagaard and John Shaw
• Language: English
• Format: paperback
• Number of pages: 440
• Publication date: 8 April 2011
• ISBN: 978-1-906552-80-0