The Sveshnikov (Grandmaster Sveshnikov himself called it The Sicilian Pelikan back in 1989. When we take into account that 1.e4 c5 2.c3, The Alapin Variation, is also called the Sveshnikov by some sources, it’s easy to see that confusion can rule the day!) Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5) has long been a favorite of players who aren’t afraid to create a suspect pawn structure in return for active pieces. Back in 1989, Sveshnikov himself wrote the “bible” on this interesting opening system. But that was long ago and theory has grown and changed with the passing of years. For this reason, Yakovich’s up to date look at an opening that he plays himself is something that “Svesh” players will welcome.

The author covers all the key variations and also takes a serious look at inferior sidelines. In my view, this is important because it allows the professional player a chance to take a fresh look at these “rejected” variations in an effort to find improvements and, perhaps, a stunning rehabilitation. Of course, if you meet this opening as White, you will need to know how to deal with the various offbeat ideas that Black can throw at you, so Yakovich’s efforts to present this stuff is appreciated.

Though the author explains some strategic ideas from time to time (something that players of all strengths are always happy to see), he doesn’t do this enough to help out players below 2000. However, would anything make this complicated and highly theoretical system appropriate for those rated in the sub-2000 categories? With this in mind, Yakovich gives more than enough explanation for the audience the book is aimed at.

On the lightly negative side, Yakovich’s English is a bit askew and the lack of a bibliography is unfortunate, but these blips should not prevent players who employ the Svesnikov and players who battle it from buying this book.

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