Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. b3

Czerniak attack B20 Sicilian defence Snyder variation 2. b3!? · Czerniak attack A rare but interesting sideline against the Sicilian, 2. b3 prepares to fianchetto the queen's bishop to b2, where it will pressure Black's king's side. White usually intends to postpone opening the position, and has ideas of attacking on the kingside with f4, O-O, etc. The main continuation is 2...Nc6, although many "standard" Sicilian moves, 2...d6, 2...e6 are possible. 2...b6, the queen's fianchetto variation, is challenging alternative where Black hopes to generate initiative by pressuring White's undefended e4 pawn.Morozevich v Polgar, 2014. Chessgames.com History The earliest recorded appearance of 2. b3 was played by John Cochrane against Howard Staunton in 1843.Cochrane v Staunton, 1843. Chessgames.com Moshe Czerniak (1910―1984) was a Polish-Israeli International Master who specialised in this line.e.g. Czerniak v Benko, 1969. Chessgames.com It also sometimes known as the Snyder variation after disgracedhttp://www.denverpost.com/crime/ci_14786670? Chess master sentenced for sex assault of children March 30, 2010 The Denver Post 22 August 2026 Monte Whaley former chess coach Robert Michael Snyder, who published a book of analysis on the line in 1983, naming it after himself.Sicilian 2 b3 (Snyder Sicilian) Snyder Robert M. The Players Press 1984 0-941426-14-9 Los Angeles In modern times the line is associated with Grandmaster Alexander Morozevich (1977―), who played it exclusively against 1...c5 in the 2014 World Rapid and Blitz championships.World Blitz Championship (2014) (games of Alexander Morozevich). Chessgames.comWorld Rapid Championship (2014) (games of Alexander Morozevich). Chessgames.com Theory table 1.e4 c5 2.b3 2 ...Nc6 = ...d6 = ...b6 = ...Nf6 = ...e6 = ...g6 +/= References See also Sabotaging the Sicilian, French & Caro-Kann with 2.b3. 2018. Marek Soszynski.