1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3 – Top-Level Repertoire for White GM Michael Roiz

We are pleased to present a comprehensive new repertoire by GM Michael Roiz – 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3 – Top-Level Repertoire for White. Following his successful Rossolimo and Moscow projects, GM Roiz now introduces a practical and strategic weapon against the 2…e6 Sicilian – the move 3.c3!

This repertoire simplifies your study of the Sicilian by reducing the number of variations you need to prepare against, such as the Kan, Taimanov, and Four Knights, while guiding you into rich positional battles where White aims for a small but stable advantage with minimal risk.

The course consists of 17 theoretical chapters, 17 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (2h and 35min)

So far, Roiz has published the following databases against the Sicilian Defence:

1) Moscow Variation – Top-Level Repertoire for White – Part 1

2) Moscow Variation – Top-Level Repertoire for White – Part 2

3) Play the Rossolimo – Top-Level Repertoire for White – Part 1

4) Play the Rossolimo – Top-Level Repertoire for White – Part 2

To be successful with this repertoire, it is essential to understand several typical positions. The first important type is the IQP (isolated queen’s pawn) position, which arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3 d5 4.exd5 exd5 5.d4

This position is critical for the variation. After exchanges on d4 or c5, we enter an IQP (isolated queen’s pawn) position, which is also typical of the Tarrasch Variation in the French Defense. Understanding how to play for a slight advantage in this structure is crucial.

Roiz thoroughly covers all the plans involving …c5-c4.

A significant portion of the course also delves into the transposition to the Alapin Sicilian. The key position is reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3 d5 4.exd5 Qxd5 5.d4 Nf6 6.Na3 Nc6 7.Be3 cxd4 8.Nb5, providing deep insights into the resulting positions.

We can now appreciate the idea behind 6.Na3. White aims to recapture the d4-pawn with a piece, leading to a structure where White has a pawn majority on the queenside—a crucial concept for your chess understanding. This structure cannot be evaluated statically; its effectiveness hinges on the activity of the pieces. In the chapters dedicated to this structure, GM Roiz demonstrates how White can seize the initiative.

Black can attempt to prevent Nb5 with 6…a6, but White can exploit the b6-square by playing 7.Nc4. This will also be our response to 6…Qd8.

Since we are transposing to the Alapin Variation, we should be prepared to play positions with an isolated queen’s pawn (IQP) in our camp, particularly when Black exchanges early with …cxd4.

The final four chapters showcase the most intriguing part of the course. The key position is reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3 Nf6 4.Bd3, setting the stage for rich and complex play.

Although some top-level games have featured this line, the unusual bishop sortie remains relatively underexplored. White’s clear plan is to develop with Bc2 followed by d2-d4. If Black responds with …d7-d5, White can answer with e4-e5, resulting in a favorable French structure. If Black is not well-prepared, he can easily find himself in a difficult position. Undoubtedly, this position will see further exploration and testing in future games.