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MACA Book Review
Starting Out: The c3 Sicilian Starting Out: The c3 Sicilian
by: John Emms

Price: $24.95
ISBN: 978-1-85744-570-1
Format: Book 20tpp.
Publisher: Everyman Chess

Reviewed by: Chess Horizons Editor Mark Donlan
Recommendation: Recommended

This book is aimed at players that wish to learn the basics of the c3 Sicilian, which Emms describes as an active opening with a solid positional foundation. He devotes two chapters to 2…d5, two to 2…Nf6, and one to second move alternatives for Black.

Each section begins with a brief introduction and the author notes that he tried to “highlight important positional features of the pawn structures as they arise.” He further comments that the illustrative games were “chosen with instruction and entertainment value as a slightly higher priority than theoretical relevance.”
 
He admits to displaying a slight bias for White, but writes that he points out the best choices for both sides. He explains why he believes certain lines are ineffective and indicates where he disagrees with previous assessments.

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