The Complete Sveshnikov Sicilian - Tapa blanda

The Sveshnikov Variation is one of the most uncompromising lines of the Sicilian Defence. Black accepts an apparently loose pawn-structure in return for a great deal of piece activity. Decades of experience have shown that it is far from easy for White to neutralize Black's active play, and the Sveshnikov is now firmly established as a favourite weapon for players who wish to win games as Black. Leading grandmasters who have relied on the Sveshnikov include John Nunn, Michal Krasenkow, Joel Lautier, Miguel Illescas, Alexei Shirov, Peter Leko and, most notably, Vladimir Kramnik.

Yuri Yakovich is a well-known grandmaster and chess trainer from Samara, Russia. Yakovich has played the Sveshnikov Sicilian in more than 50 competitive games during his career, with excellent results. His tournament victories include Gistrup 1997 and San Antonio 1999 and 2001.