On the map of modern chess theory there is a 'blank spot' - The Nimzowitsch-Rubinstein Variation of the Sicilian Defence (1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6)
Everyone has heard of it, but no one really knows anything about it. The literature devoted to this topic is extremely scanty. Two or three articles, a few brochures, one ancient monograph (in German) - and that's all.
The book of international master Grigory Bogdanovisch fills this gap. The author, a recognized expert on the Variation, has summarized and fully systemized his many years of experience in the given field.
His views are subjective - but this is what makes them valuable.
His conclusions are paradoxical, but they, so to speak, 'grab' the reader and do not leave him indifferent. You want to argue with him, but - and this is the main thing! - his presentation of the Variation makes you want to study it and play it.
Contents:
Foreword
PART ONE. White does not play 3. e5 Chapter One: 1. e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 d5 Chapter One Guide Chapter Two: Breitman Variation, 1. e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nc6 Chapter Two Guide Chapter Three: Typical Pawn Structures Chapter Three Guide Appendix 1: Reference Games
PART TWO. White plays 3.e5 Chapter Four: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 Chapter Four Guide Chapter Five: Larsen Variation 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nc3 e6 5.Nxd5 exd 6.d4 Chapter Five Guide Appendix 2: Reference Games
PART THREE. 1. e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4.N3 Nxc3 5.dc Chapter Six: Typical Pawn Structures Chapter Seven: Linking the opening and the middlegame Chapter Eight: How to handle the ending with the given TPS Appendix 3: Reference Games
Conclusion Game Index
Klaus Koegler, Kaissiber Magazine: "The most remarkable aspect is the structure of the book. The author has added an extra segment on pawn structures to many chapters. There are other opening books with that, but here those segments are so substantial and detailed that it comes close to strategy lectures on pawn formations (..) Quite a remarkable and engaging book (..)"