Fighting the Anti-Sicilians
Combating 2. c3, the Closed, the Morra Gambit and Other Tricky Ideas
The Sicilian Defence is by far Black's most popular answer to 1. e4 at all levels of chess. The reason for this is easy to understand: from the very first move Black unbalances the position and can play for a win without needing to take unjustified risks. This is particularly the case with the Open Sicilian, where Black can take comfort from the knowledge that his superior pawn structure ensures control of the centre and excellent long-term chances.
Combating 2. c3, the Closed, the Morra Gambit and Other Tricky Ideas