I have aimed to find a good balance of verbalexplanations without ignoring the hardcore variations you have to know. In caseyou find some of the analyses a bit too long, dont be discouraged! They havebeen included mainly to illustrate the thematic ideas and show in whichdirection the game develops once the theoretical paths have been left. Thatswhy I have actually decided to cover 37 games in their entirety, rather thancutting off my analysis with an evaluation. I believe that model games help youto better understand an opening, but certainly also the ensuing middle- andendgames.
Just as in the The Modernized Sveshnikov,also in this book I have made frequently use of correspondence and enginegames. With a lack of over the board (elite) tournaments, most elite playersmade their switch to the world of online chess as well. These games with ashorter time control are often full of mistakes, but the opening stage is stillrelevant. Hence, I have decided to include these online games whenever Ithought them to be a useful addition to our repertoire.
With the completion of this work and TheModernized Sveshnikov, I think I have succeeded in offering the reader acomplete, ambitious, and sound Black repertoire against 1.e4. I am incrediblysatisfied with the result of this work, as I think the mix of new ideas, beautifulvariations, model games, extensive analyses and explanation of key concepts willinspire many chess fans. I would like to wish you all an enjoyable read andhope that you will be able to apply some of my recommendations in your owngames. You no longer have to fear any Anti-Sicilian!
Robert Ris
Amstelveen, The Netherlands
September 2021
