The Sicilian has long been Black’s favorite answer to 1.e4 but its popularity has started to wane. This is partly due to the large body of theory associated with it and also the presence of sharp lines leading to forced draws making it an impractical choice for stronger players competing against lower-rated counterparts. 

Two recent offers from Thinkers Publishing take a look at other ways to answer 1.e4 that don’t suffer from these problems. Perennial 2600+ rated Grandmaster Christian Bauer is the author of a number of highly praised opening books and The Modernized Alekhine Defense will only further enhance his reputation. This weighty tome is now the guide to all things Alekhine Defense related as he goes well beyond providing a narrow opening repertoire, offering multiple choices against some of White’s more popular choices. One example where he provides pioneering analysis is in his advocacy for 5…g6 in the Four Pawns Attack after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nc3. His 2021 draw as Black against Veselin Topalov in this line is evidence that he practices what he preaches. If you play the Alekhine you must have this book. 

The Alekhine may never have enjoyed the popularity of the Sicilian but even Bobby Fischer played if from time to time including twice in the 1972 World Championship match. The subject of the next book has no such stalwart backing, but is becoming increasingly popular for the aforementioned reasons: the amount of theory needed to play it is quite manageable and White has no way to force a draw.

IM John Donaldson, US Chess, 09.2021.

French Grandmaster Christian Bauer is one of his country’s leading players. He is a former national champion and has represented France in numerous international team events.  He has written many articles and books for several publishing houses: ‘Play 1…b6’ and ‘The Philidor Files’, ‘Play the Scandinavian’, Candidates Moves and Modernized Nimzovitch Defense for Thinkers Publishing . Many of his books have been translated into other languages. This is his tenth book and his fifth for Thinkers Publishing, his second in the Modernized series.